Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen’s wife and E Street Band member, reveals her battle with multiple myeloma since 2018.
At a Glance
- Patti Scialfa, 71, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018
- Her diagnosis was revealed in a new documentary premiering at the Toronto Film Festival
- Scialfa has been with the E Street Band since the 1980s and married Springsteen in 1991
- The diagnosis has affected her ability to tour extensively with the band
- Bruce Springsteen has also faced health issues, postponing tour dates in 2023 due to a peptic ulcer
A Shocking Revelation
The music world was stunned when Patti Scialfa, longtime member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and his wife of over three decades, disclosed her battle with multiple myeloma. The revelation came through the documentary “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. Scialfa, who has been an integral part of the band since the 1980s, was diagnosed with this serious blood cancer in 2018 during the “Springsteen on Broadway” concert residency.
The diagnosis has significantly impacted Scialfa’s ability to tour with the band. Her absence from the current worldwide stadium tour, the first since 2016, had raised questions among fans. Now, the truth behind her limited appearances has come to light, showcasing the personal struggles behind the scenes of one of rock’s most enduring acts.
Challenges and Adaptations
Multiple myeloma, a cancer that forms in plasma cells, can lead to various symptoms including bone pain, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections. For Scialfa, this has meant a necessary adjustment to her touring lifestyle. The documentary captures her candid reflections on these changes.
“This affects my immune system, so I have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go,” Ms. Scialfa said of her diagnosis in the film, according to Variety.
Despite these challenges, Scialfa has found ways to stay connected to the music and the fans. She occasionally joins the band for a few songs during shows, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to her craft. This new normal, while different, allows her to continue participating in the band’s legacy while managing her health.
The E Street Band’s Enduring Spirit
The E Street Band, no stranger to adversity, has faced significant challenges over the years. The loss of saxophonist Clarence Clemons in 2011 was a profound blow to the group. Now, with Scialfa’s health concerns and Springsteen’s own recent health issues – he postponed tour dates in 2023 due to a peptic ulcer – the band’s resilience is once again on display.
“Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs onstage, and that’s been a treat,” Ms. Scialfa said in the film. “That’s the new normal for me right now, and I’m OK with that.”
This spirit of adaptation and perseverance has long been a hallmark of Springsteen and the E Street Band. It’s a testament to their bond that, despite these personal and professional hurdles, they continue to make music and connect with their audience. The documentary “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” set to stream on Hulu and Disney+ starting October 25, promises to give fans an intimate look at this latest chapter in the band’s storied career.
Patti Scialfa has revealed that she is battling multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, which has forced her to retire from touring → https://t.co/QYU2HpdtRH pic.twitter.com/YPpsjlV58A
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) September 9, 2024
As Scialfa navigates her health journey, her story serves as an inspiration to many facing similar challenges. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in music, family, and community support. For fans of Springsteen and the E Street Band, it’s another chapter in a long history of overcoming obstacles through the power of rock and roll.
