Eric Clapton cancels Rock Hall show for gallstone surgery

Not Wonderful Tonight - Clapton cancels Rock Hall concert, and Springsteen's appearance in doubt
Not Wonderful Tonight - Clapton cancels Rock Hall concert, and Springsteen's appearance in doubt (Image credit: LUKE MACGREGOR/Reuters/Corbis)

Eric Clapton has pulled out of his appearance at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame extravaganza in New York City this week for the removal of gallstones.

Meanwhile, Bruce Springsteen's involvement is up in the air. He cancelled a concert in Kansas City last night following the death of a cousin, who also worked worked on his crew.

Clapton, 64, "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," a statement said.

Both rockers were schedule to perform at the two-day celebration for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's 25th anniversary at Madison Square Garden. Other artists on the bill include U2, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, BB King, among others.

According to a statement on Bruce Springtseen's website, "Lenny Sullivan, Bruce's cousin and the assistant road manager of the E Street Band for the last ten years, passed away today at the age of 36.

"A warm and sensitive person, he was beloved by Bruce, the Band, the crew, and the entire Thrill Hill family."

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Joe Bosso

Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar WorldGuitar PlayerMusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.