Patti Scialfa’s Health Struggles and Her Decision to Step Back from Touring
Patti Scialfa, a talented singer-songwriter and member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, recently shared in the documentary Rock Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band that she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018. The news came during the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8.
Health Concerns Impacting Touring
Scialfa explained that her condition, which affects her immune system, made it difficult for her to continue touring with her husband and the E Street Band. As a result, she made the difficult decision to step back from the full tour. “I have to be careful about what I choose to do and where I go,” she said. However, she still enjoys attending a few shows and occasionally sings a few songs on stage, calling it a special treat. This has become her “new normal,” and she is at peace with it.
Focusing on Family and Solo Work
In a previous interview with Asbury Park Press, Scialfa explained that she chose to play only a limited number of shows during Springsteen’s 2023 tour. Her decision was partly due to wanting to spend more time with her granddaughter, Lily Springsteen, who was born in July 2022, and to focus on her solo album. “There were a lot of musicians on stage, and I didn’t feel as needed,” she said. She also used the time to finish her solo album, which she couldn’t have done while Springsteen was in the studio.
Springsteen’s Health Issues
Scialfa isn’t the only one facing health challenges. In September 2023, Springsteen had to postpone his remaining 2023 tour dates due to treatment for peptic ulcer disease. In early summer 2024, he again postponed some dates, this time due to vocal issues. Thankfully, it only affected three shows.
Wishing Patti the Best
We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to Patti Scialfa as she bravely battles multiple myeloma.
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