Los Angeles, Oct 8 (IANS): Country singer Jason Aldean appeared on stage on "Saturday Night Live" to condemn the senseless killings which he was still "struggling to understand", and paid homage to the victims as well as late Tom Petty by doing a cover of the rock musician's 1989 anthem.

Days after the Las Vegas tragedy occurred during his set at Route 91 Harvest Festival, the singer opened the show with his powerful message about the horrific incident, reports eonline.com.

"I'm Jason Aldean. This week we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history. Like everyone, I am struggling to understand what happened that night and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal. So many people are hurting.

"There are children, parents, brothers, sisters, friend. They are all part of our family. So I want to say to them: We hurt for you and we hurt with you. You can be sure we are going to walk through these tough times together, every step of the way."

And finally, the 40-year-old said: "When America is at its best, our bond and our spirit is unbreakable."

Aldean then broke into the 1989 classic, "Won't back down", which served as an inspiring message to Americans, as well as a tribute to Petty, who died on Monday.