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.
Scialfa and Springsteen tied the knot in 1991 and welcomed three children together: sons Evan and Samuel, and daughter Jessica.
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.
Despite her current health condition, Scialfa does her best to stay positive. “Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs on stage, and that’s been a treat,” she added.
Scialfa didn’t attend the premiere of the documentary, which will be available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ on October 25, but she revealed in it that it lets fans see “a side of our relationship that you usually don’t get to see.”
“Being back onstage with Bruce is a blast,” she said. “Every night at this tour gives the band a chance to celebrate.”