Bruce Springsteen’s wife and E Street Band member Patti Scialfa disclosed that she had been battling cancer for a number of years. In the September 8 Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Springsteen’s new documentary Rock Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Scialfa revealed that she received a multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2018.
Variety reports that the singer-songwriter had to make the tough choice to step back because the diagnosis made it impossible for her to tour with her husband and the E Street Band.
“I have to be careful about what I choose to do and where I go because this affects my immune system,” the woman stated. I occasionally attend an event or two where I get to sing a few songs on stage, and that has been a pleasure. Right now, it’s my new normal, and I’m good with that.
Prior to this, Scialfa told the Asbury Park Press that she chose to focus on her solo album and spend more time with her granddaughter Lily Springsteen, who was born in July 2022, by choosing to play a small number of dates on Springsteen’s current tour, which started in February 2023.
The guitarist remarked, “I felt less needed in a way because there were so many musicians on stage.” “After doing the first few gigs, I realised this was going well when I observed how everything was going. This is in perfect condition. There isn’t much space for me to include anything unique.
The primary issue was that Bruce is constantly in the studio, so I couldn’t finish the record when he was at home. I so used that chance to complete my record.
It’s not just Scialfa who has health problems. Due to his continuous treatment for peptic ulcer disease, Springsteen was forced to postpone his remaining 2023 tour dates in September 2023.
Once more, a medical condition forced him to cancel tour dates in the early summer of 2024. Fortunately, it only affected three dates this time around due to “vocal issues.” My thoughts and prayers are with Patti Scialfa as she fights multiple myeloma.