The Wanted have cancelled their first public performance following the passing of bandmate Tom Parker. 

The singer died on March 30 – aged just 33 – following a 17-month battle with an inoperable brain tumour. 

The group had been due to perform at the Ladies Day event at Newcastle Racecourse on July 23, but in a statement to fans, they admitted the gig was too soon following the tragic loss of their friend.  

“After some reflection, and with a heavy heart, we can confirm that we will no longer be performing at the Live After Racing event scheduled to take place at Newcastle Racecourse on 23rd July,” said Max George, Nathan Sykes, Jay McGuiness and Siva Kaneswaran.

“It is just over 2 months since we lost Tom and as much as we love performing live, it is just far too soon for us to even think about being on stage again as The Wanted.

“We are all still processing the events of the last few months and need to take this time out for reflection.

“We are so sorry to let anyone down and thank you for your understanding and support.

“We will see you all soon x.”

Tom was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma and went public with his diagnosis in October 2020. Last year, he revealed the tumour was stable after an MRI scan. 

Following his passing, the group re-released their hit single Gold Forever in memory Tom. The new version of the track came following a request from Tom’s family to play the song at his memorial, for which the group worked on an alternate arrangement. 

According to a press release, The Wanted, Island Records, writers & producers will be donating all net proceeds from the first 12 months of sales to The Brain Tumour Charity.