Bruce Springsteen, renowned for his powerful vocals and marathon concerts, has also faced significant health challenges throughout his career. The singer has been open about his struggles with depression, which began in his 30s, and in 2023 he postponed several shows due to a disease diagnosis.
Mental Health and Depression
Despite his rock and roll lifestyle, Springsteen avoided hard drugs. His bandmate Steven Van Zandt revealed in 2012: "(Springsteen is) the only guy I know-I think the only guy I know at all-who never did drugs." However, he battled severe depression, which he discussed in his memoir Born to Run, attributing some impact to his father, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Springsteen wrote: "It's a powerful thing, a presence that emerges from inexplicable places. My depression is spewing like an oil spill all over the beautiful turquoise-green gulf of my carefully planned and controlled existence. Its black sludge is threatening to smother every last living part of me."
Peptic Ulcer Disease and Show Postponements
In 2023, Springsteen had to postpone his tour due to peptic ulcer disease, a condition causing painful open sores in the stomach or small intestine. In a statement on his website, he expressed his disappointment: "Over here on E Street, we're heartbroken to have to postpone these shows. First, apologies to our fabulous Philly fans whom we missed a few weeks ago. We'll be back to pick these shows up and then some."
He added: "Thank you for your understanding and support. We've been having a blast at our U.S. shows and we're looking forward to more great times. We'll be back soon. Love and God bless all, Bruce."
Vocal Cord Surgery
During his 2009 Working on a Dream tour, Springsteen noticed weakness in his left hand, caused by cervical disc issues affecting nerves down the left side of his body. The condition required surgery involving his vocal cords, which left his throat vulnerable. The procedure was successful, with Springsteen noting: "It's been very successful for me. [I have a] finite amount of time in which I'm going to continue to do what I'm doing."
