Patti Scialfa, the wife of Bruce Springsteen, has been battling a form of blood cancer since 2018. Scialfa, 71, revealed her diagnosis with multiple myeloma in her husband’s new documentary, “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” which premiered Sunday night at the Toronto Film Festival. The guitarist explained that her health issues are the reason why she’s taken a step back from her and Springsteen’s E Street Band.
“Touring has become a challenge for me,” Scialfa said in the doc. “This affects my immune system so I just have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go.”
“Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs on stage, and that’s been a treat,” Scialfa added. “That’s the new normal for me right now, and I’m OK with that.”
Scialfa has been a member of E Street Band since 1984 and married Springsteen in 1991. As she revealed in the doc, Scialfa was diagnosed with blood cancer during the run of the “Springsteen on Broadway” concert residency. The New Jersey native said that she’s been absent for most of E Street Band’s current tour, which began in February 2023 and ends in July 2025, to focus on her health.
Last year, Scialfa told Asbury Park Press that her break from the tour was due to her working on a solo album and spending time with her and Springsteen’s first grandchild. Their son, Sam, welcomed his daughter, Lily, in July 2022.
“I didn’t feel as needed in a way because there were a lot of musicians on stage,” she said in the Oct. 2023 interview. “I did the first couple of shows, and as I saw how it was all rolling, I thought, ‘This is good. This is completely intact. There’s not much room for me to add anything special.’ “
Scialfa continued, “And the main thing was I have a record that I couldn’t have finished when Bruce was home because he’s in the studio all the time. So I took that opportunity to do my record.”
Springsteen, 74, has dealt with his own issues throughout his band’s ongoing tour. The “Dancing in the Dark” singer was forced to postpone his tour dates from Sept. to Dec. 2023 due to peptic ulcer disease. After a six-month break, the world tour resumed this past March, although he rescheduled three European shows in May due to “vocal issues.”
Springsteen’s new documentary includes footage from his latest tour and interviews with the rest of E Street Band, including guitarist Steven Van Zandt and drummer Max Weinberg. The beloved rock star also opens up about his future in performing in the documentary.
“Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band” will begin streaming on Hulu and Disney+ on Oct. 25.
Springsteen's Wife Opens Up About Battle with Multiple Myeloma
Scialfa’s decision to step back from touring is a testament to her commitment to her health and well-being. It is clear that she is taking her diagnosis seriously and is determined to manage her condition. While she may not be able to tour as much as she once did, she is still passionate about music and performing. She is grateful for the opportunity to still be able to share her talent with the world, even if it is in a more limited capacity.
The Future of the E Street Band
Springsteen’s health issues have also raised questions about the future of the E Street Band. While the band is currently on tour, it is unclear how long they will be able to continue touring at this pace. Springsteen himself has said that he wants to keep performing until “the wheels come off,” but it is clear that he is facing some physical limitations.
A Legacy of Music
Despite the challenges they have faced, Springsteen and the E Street Band remain one of the most iconic and influential bands of all time. Their music has touched millions of people around the world and their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. While the future of the band may be uncertain, one thing is for sure: their music will continue to be a source of joy and inspiration for years to come.
