Thomas Rhett stages moment of silence for Las Vegas massacre victims

New dad Thomas Rhett staged a moment of silence before his gig in South Carolina on Thursday (05Oct17) to honor the victims of the Las Vegas festival massacre.

The country star has taken to Instagram to share a picture of himself, his bandmates and crew members with their heads bowed before they took the stage at the North Charleston Coliseum.

"Today we gathered for a moment of silence in the arena we are playing in tonight as a family," the Die a Happy Man singer wrote. "We have people on our crew that were on the side of the stage during the shooting in Vegas and some that were there working in other areas.

"It was very strange walking into an arena for a night of music after the horrible events that took place a few days ago. We decided as a band and crew that we would not play this or the shows to come in fear, but rather in a spirit of love and joy that music is supposed to bring.

"We will never forget this tragic event but we will continue to celebrate the good in the world. Much love. God bless."

Almost 60 people were shot and killed when a gunman opened fire on the crowd at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on Sunday night (01Oct17).