The grief-stricken rocker pulled out of an appearance at the Spirit Center in Kansas City, US, last night (26.10.09) following the discovery of Lenny Sullivan's body in a hotel room earlier in the day.

The death of 36-year-old Lenny – who was assistant road manager to Bruce's backing group The E Street Band – is not being treated as suspicious.

A statement on 60-year-old Bruce's website promised the show will go ahead at a later date.

It read: 'A warm and sensitive person, he was beloved by Bruce, the band, the crew, and the entire Thrill Hill family.

'Bruce and the band deeply appreciate the understanding of our Kansas City audience and look forward to returning at the earliest opportunity."

Bruce and the E Street Band were due to perform at part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert this Thursday (29.10.09) at New York's Madison Square Garden, but no statement has been released yet about whether this will still go ahead.

However, fellow music veteran Eric Clapton has pulled out of the show to have gallstones removed.

A statement from the 'Wonderful Tonight' star said the 64-year-old musician 'will spend time recuperating at home in the UK and is very sorry to disappoint the fans and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.'