Weller Halts U.s. Tour To Grieve For Late Father

The British star announced earlier this week (begs20Apr09) that he had pulled out of a New York City concert on Friday night (24Apr09), citing "personal reasons" for the late cancellation.

But now it's been revealed Weller scrapped the show to fly back to the U.K. to be at his dying dad's bedside.

John Weller passed away on Wednesday morning (22Apr09) at the age of 77.

A source close to the family tells Music Week Weller Sr. "took a turn for the worse", adding, "He had been ill for some time."

Weller Sr. took charge of the singer's career from the start, guiding him to worldwide success as frontman of The Jam.

He held the position for more than three decades, continuing as manager throughout the rocker's stints in The Jam and Style Council, before ill health forced him to step down from the role in 2006.

The Big Apple show at the Nokia Theatre has not been rescheduled and fans have been offered refunds.