Patti Scialfa's Cancer Battle Revealed in Springsteen Documentary
Bruce Springsteen's wife, Patti Scialfa, discloses her multiple myeloma diagnosis in a new documentary. The film, premiering at TIFF, explores the E Street Band's enduring relationships and musical journey.
In a revealing new documentary, Patti Scialfa, musician and wife of Bruce Springsteen, has disclosed her battle with multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting plasma cells. The film, "Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band," which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 8, 2024, offers an intimate look into the lives of the legendary E Street Band members.
Scialfa, who joined the E Street Band in 1984, received her diagnosis in 2018 during the initial run of "Springsteen on Broadway." The 71-year-old artist candidly discusses the impact of her condition on her ability to tour and perform:
"Touring has become a challenge for me. It 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 onstage, and that's been a treat. That's the new normal for me right now, and I'm okay with that."
The documentary, set to release on Hulu and Disney Plus on October 25, 2024, not only sheds light on Scialfa's health struggles but also explores the enduring relationships within the E Street Band. Springsteen, now 74, reflects on the unique nature of their long-standing collaboration:
"We have the only job in the world where the people you went to high school with — at 75, you're still with those people. You live your life with them. You see them grow up. You see them get married. You see them get divorced. You see them go to jail. You see them get out of jail. You see them renege on their child payments. You see them pay up. You see them get older. You see their hair go gray. And you're in the room when they die, you know?"
The film also touches on the professional harmony that has aided Scialfa and Springsteen's marriage since 1991. Scialfa, who has released three solo albums, shares her joy in performing the 1986 track "Fire" as a duet with her husband, offering fans a glimpse into their relationship both on and off stage.
Despite the challenges posed by Scialfa's diagnosis, the documentary highlights the resilience and camaraderie of the E Street Band. From their formation in 1972 to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, the band's journey has been marked by both personal and professional milestones.
As Springsteen continues to deliver powerful performances, including a recent three-hour show at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., the documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the band's legacy and the personal struggles that shape their music. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll and the bonds forged through decades of shared experiences on and off the stage.
