Bruce Springsteen Gives Update on "Bitch of a Bellyache"

The Boss has been diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease, prompting him to postpone his 2023 tour dates amid recovery

Photo: Danny Clinch

BY Megan LaPierrePublished Oct 11, 2023

Bruce Springsteen's tummy hurts, and he's being very brave about it. No, the barista didn't simply give him regular milk instead of plant-based — the Boss was diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease, which he made public last month while postponing some tour dates for treatment. He went on to postpone all of his remaining 2023 tour dates with the E Street Band as he continues to recover.

At the time, a statement from his team explained that Springsteen had "continued to recover steadily" from the condition. However, his doctors had advised him to "continue treatment through the rest of the year," and the tour was slated to keep him on the road through early December.

On yesterday's (October 10) edition of his SiriusXM series, From My Home to Yours, the singer-songwriter offered a small health update after introducing himself as "your favourite rockstar with a bitch of a bellyache" [via Music-News].

"Let me take a moment and thank my fans affected by our postponed shows for their understanding," he said. "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."

Far from a mere bellyache, peptic ulcer disease involves the development of painful open sores forming in the stomach lining or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). They have two main causes: infection from H. pylori bacteria or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) wearing away the digestive tract's mucus layer.

The rescheduled dates for the Canadian leg of Springsteen's tour, originally scheduled to take place in November, will be announced this week.

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