Patti Scialfa, a long-time member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, has publicly shared her six-year struggle with multiple myeloma for the first time. The revelation came during the premiere of the documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8.
Diagnosed with the blood cancer in 2018, Scialfa, 71, has faced significant challenges in her performance schedule. Despite this, her dedication to music and her role in the band remain unwavering. The documentary chronicles Springsteen’s 74th year and the band’s preparations for their first tour since 2017.
In Road Diary, Scialfa reflects on her health journey, stating, “I’ve been performing with this band for 40 years. With those first performances, it felt so good to be back onstage. Touring has become a challenge for me.” She explains that her diagnosis required her to be cautious about her activities but has not diminished her love for performing. “This affects my immune system so I just have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go,” she adds. “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 OK with that.”
Scialfa particularly enjoys performing the song “Fire” with Springsteen, describing their duet as “very personal, in a way.” She notes that these performances offer a glimpse into their relationship, adding, “Being back onstage with Bruce is a blast. Every night at this tour gives the band a chance to celebrate.”
The documentary, directed by Thom Zimny, also features interviews with over a dozen E Street Band members, including the late Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici. It provides fans with an intimate look at the rigorous preparation and genuine camaraderie that define the band’s touring experience.
Springsteen, who has also faced health issues, including treatment for peptic ulcer disease, joins Scialfa in the film’s exploration of their shared journey. The documentary will be available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ starting October 25.
Springsteen teased the film on Instagram, saying, “Our new film, Road Diary, will take you on a journey from behind the scenes at rehearsals to shows that we performed all around the world this year. You’ll get to experience a little bit of the fun and the magic that we get to experience every night.”