Steven Van Zandt Gives Update On Bruce Springsteen’s Health

Bruce Springsteen, often referred to as “The Boss,” is not quite ready to return to the stage just yet. During the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Steven Van Zandt provided an update on the E Street frontman’s health. At the age of 74, Springsteen is currently battling peptic ulcer disease, but according to Van Zandt, he is in excellent condition.

“We’re gonna come back stronger than ever in March,” said Zandt, who is 72 years old, in an interview with People. He acknowledged that the first six months of the tour were incredibly intense, perhaps more so than any previous tour. Zandt added:

“And so we’re gonna come back with that same intensity, and it’s gonna be great.”

Zandt also expressed his appreciation for the band’s enduring popularity on stage, which has been a pleasant surprise, especially after a seven-year hiatus. Zandt remarked:

“Well, it’s wonderful, isn’t it?
“Because we were gone for seven years. So, you know, we weren’t really sure what was gonna happen.”

He went on to say:

“It could have been like, ‘E Street who?'”
“But we came back stronger than ever in terms of the business, in terms of enthusiasm. Everything sold out immediately.”

He continued:

“So it was a wonderful surprise and, I think, just a tribute to the craft.”

Zandt emphasized the amount of time the band had spent honing their craft and the enduring quality of Springsteen’s songs, noting that recent releases by iconic bands like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles highlight the lasting power of those who focus on their craft.

A month ago, Springsteen declared that the remaining 2023 tour dates will be rescheduled as a result of his diagnosis of peptic ulcer illness. This news comes from Zandt.

Springsteen’s Gratitude and Regret for Postponed Shows

In a statement on September 27 shared on his Instagram, Springsteen expressed his disappointment in having to postpone the shows but promised to return soon, adding his love and blessings to his fans.

During an appearance on SiriusXM’s E Street Radio show, From My Home to Yours, Springsteen also apologized and acknowledged the challenges posed by his health condition. He said:

“Let me take a moment and thank my fans affected by our postponed shows for their understanding.
“I am deeply sorry, but this belly thing, despite my ability to laugh at it, has been a monster and is still unfortunately rocking my internal world.”

Peptic ulcer disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is primarily characterized by a sharp, burning pain in the stomach that can worsen with the consumption of spicy or acidic foods. In severe cases, symptoms can include vomiting, vomiting blood, dark blood in stools, or black, tar-like stool, along with additional symptoms such as difficulty breathing, faintness, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and changes in appetite.