Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, seen performing in June, are slated to play Madison Square Garden in New York as part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concerts this week. (Amanda Schwab/StarPix/Associated Press) Rocker Bruce Springsteen cancelled his Kansas City concert just hours before it was due to start Monday night, after his cousin — a longtime member of his road crew — was found dead at a local hotel.

Springsteen announced the death of Lenny Sullivan on his official website. In a statement, he described the 36-year-old as "a warm and sensitive person" who was beloved by the band and crew.

Sullivan, who had been assistant road manager of the E Street Band for 10 years, was discovered dead in his hotel room on Monday. Kansas City police are investigating the death, though a spokesman said the case was not considered suspicious.

Concert organizers announced that tickets would be refunded.

Rock Hall concert in question

The death has left fans wondering if Springsteen would still participate in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concerts this week. He and The E Street Band are slated to perform on Thursday, with Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel, and Crosby, Stills and Nash also in the lineup.

Springsteen's news comes on the heels of Eric Clapton, another iconic songwriter and musician, who was also slated to take the stage at the New York event, also cancelling his appearance.

Organizers announced last week that the legendary 64-year-old British guitarist was forced to withdraw to undergo a minor medical procedure for gallstones.

"He will spend time recuperating at home in the U.K. and is very sorry to disappoint the fans and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," according to a statement.

Clapton had been set to perform at Madison Square Garden for the second concert on Friday. The Jeff Beck Band will take his place. Other performers that night include U2, Aretha Franklin and Metallica.

With files from The Associated Press