In the new documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen’s wife and a key member of the E Street Band opened up about her personal struggle with multiple myeloma, a rare form of cancer she was diagnosed with in 2018.
The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. In it, the musician revealed that her condition has affected her ability to tour and perform.
Scialfa joined the E Street Band in 1984 but she’s also a solo artist with multiple albums released. Over the course of her rich music career, Scialfa has worked with various famous names such as Don Cherry, Narda Michael Walden, David Johansen, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Among the rest, she’s a songwriter and a producer of movies and documentaries.
Speaking of the challenges she has faced following her diagnosis, she said, “It felt so good to be back on stage” and reflected on her limited performances. “Touring has become a challenge for me. This affects my immune system, so I have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go.” Her condition requires her to be cautious, often limiting her to occasional appearances.