Kaylah Walton
Patti Scialfa, a skilled guitarist and the spouse of Bruce Springsteen, has revealed her ongoing struggle with health issues in the newly released documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Fans were taken aback to learn that Scialfa, 71, has been battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, since 2018.
This announcement was made at the Toronto Film Festival during the film’s premiere, where Scialfa explained that her diagnosis led her to take a step back from performing with the E Street Band, a group she has been part of since 1984.
“Touring has become a challenge for me,” Scialfa stated in the film. “This impacts my immune system, so I must be cautious about my activities and locations.”
Although she has largely missed the current world tour, which began in February 2023 and runs through July 2025, she mentioned that she occasionally joins for performances and sings a few songs when possible. “That’s my new normal, and I’m fine with it,” she confirmed.
Patti is prioritizing her health
Scialfa’s illness was diagnosed during the acclaimed “Springsteen on Broadway” shows. Since then, her health has taken precedence, leading her to miss a significant portion of the tour to facilitate her recovery.
Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells and can result in symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Despite these challenges, Scialfa continues to pursue her music, working on a solo album.
Fans have expressed their longing for her on stage, but in a past interview with the Asbury Park Press, Scialfa noted that her absence was also influenced by family commitments, such as spending time with her and Springsteen’s first grandchild, Lily, who was born in July 2022. “I felt less needed on tour because the band was thriving without me, which allowed me to focus on my record,” she mentioned.
Bruce’s health challenges
Bruce Springsteen, 74, is also dealing with his own health issues during this tour, including peptic ulcer disease, causing him to postpone several performances. After a six-month hiatus, the tour resumed in March 2023, but Springsteen had to rearrange three European shows due to vocal difficulties.
The documentary Road Diary features behind-the-scenes footage from the tour along with interviews from E Street Band members such as Steven Van Zandt and Max Weinberg. It will be available for viewing on Hulu and Disney+ starting Oct. 25, during which fans will also see Springsteen discuss his future in music.
