Renowned musician Bruce Springsteen has announced the cancellation of a series of highly anticipated arena concerts this month. The decision came on the advice of his medical team, who cited “symptoms of peptic ulcer disease” as the reason behind the cancellation. Springsteen expressed his regret over the postponements and vowed to reschedule the dates.
Originally, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band were scheduled to perform at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y., followed by a weekend show at Camden Yards in Baltimore. However, these concerts will not proceed as planned due to Springsteen’s need for medical treatment, as confirmed by a statement posted on his website.
“We’re heartbroken to have to postpone these shows over here on E Street,” Springsteen shared in response to the disappointing news. He also acknowledged a prior cancellation in Philadelphia, assuring fans, “We’ll be back to pick these shows up and then some. Thank you for your understanding and support.”
This cancellation comes as a major disappointment to fans, as it marks the first time Springsteen and his band embarked on a full-fledged tour since February 2017. The tour began in February of this year, with performances across Florida and Georgia. They continued with a three-month European leg, visiting countries such as Spain and Norway, before returning to the U.S. for shows in August.
The extensive tour comprises 66 concerts in 51 different locations across the United States and Europe. Ticket holders for the remaining September shows will receive updates regarding rescheduled dates once those decisions are finalized. These venues encompass a broad geographical range from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Washington, D.C.
Peptic ulcers, while often associated with factors like stress, unhealthy eating habits, and excessive stomach acid, have seen a shift in understanding since the 1980s. Australian researchers made a groundbreaking discovery during that period, revealing that the majority of ulcers are, in fact, caused by bacteria. This groundbreaking revelation led to the use of antibiotics as an effective treatment for ulcers, transforming the approach to managing these painful conditions. The implicated bacterium was also found to be linked to stomach cancer.
Typical symptoms of peptic ulcers include abdominal pain, nausea, and discomfort associated with eating, as outlined by the “National Institute of Diabetes” and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,” a part of the “National Institutes of Health.” The pain may vary among individuals, occurring when the stomach is empty, at night, or worsening after meals.
This marks the third time this year that Springsteen has been forced to postpone concerts due to health-related issues, following previous cancellations in March and August. In addition, the musician and his wife, Patti Scialfa, tested positive for Covid-19 in April.
Despite these setbacks, Springsteen remains on a world tour that commenced in February, coinciding with the release of his latest album, “Only the Strong Survive,” in November 2022. This album features covers of R&B and soul songs, and the tour has included memorable performances, including a three-night stint in his hometown of New Jersey.
As Springsteen and the E Street Band continue to captivate audiences, their dedication and enthusiasm for performing live remain undiminished, embodying a passion that has been a hallmark of their career since the early 1980s.