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Bruce Springsteen Just Canceled All His September Shows Over Painful Medical Condition

The musician is dealing with the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease.

Bruce Springsteen performing in Philadelphia in March 2023
Bill Raymond / Shutterstock

There's bad news for fans who were looking forward to seeing The Boss this month. On Wednesday, Sept. 6, Bruce Springsteen announced that his September shows have all been postponed on the advice of his medical advisors as he undergoes treatment for peptic ulcer disease. The announcement covers eight Springsteen and the E Street Band shows that were set to take place primarily in the northeastern United States.


In addition to the band's statement to fans, Springsteen made a personal statement that includes an apology for the inconvenience to ticket buyers. Read on to find out what the plan is for rescheduling these canceled shows and to learn more about the 73-year-old musician's diagnosis.

RELATED: Critics Are Calling for Beyoncé to Be Canceled After Controversial Live Performance.

All of this month's concerts have been postponed.

The statement posted to Springsteen's Instagram explains that all September concerts are canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date. The first show impacted is a Syracuse, NY concert that was scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 7.

"Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have postponed all performances currently scheduled for September 2023, beginning with tomorrow's show scheduled for the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY," the statement reads. "Mr. Springsteen is being treated for symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and the decision of his medical advisors is that he should postpone the remainder of his September shows."

Springsteen and the E Street Band's current tour began on Feb. 1, 2023 in Tampa, FL and has included dates in both the U.S. and Europe. The group most recently performed in East Rutherford, NJ on Sept. 3.

Springsteen's condition can be extremely painful.

Bruce Springsteen at a screening of "Western Stars" in 2019lev radin / Shutterstock

According to the Cleveland Clinic, "Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which painful sores or ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Normally, a thick layer of mucus protects the stomach lining from the effect of its digestive juices."

According to the site, there are two primary causes of these ulcers. One is a bacteria called H. Pylori, which can "stick to the layer of mucus in the digestive tract and cause inflammation." The other is the use of pain relievers called NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen or naproxen), which "can wear away at the mucus layer in the digestive tract."

Symptoms of ulcers can include "gnawing or burning pain in your middle or upper stomach between meals or at night," bloating, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting, among others. You are more likely get ulcers if you frequently use NSAIDs, have a family history of ulcers, regularly drink, smoke, or have illnesses including liver, kidney, or lung disease.

He apologized for disappointing fans.

Bruce Springsteen performing in Amsterdam in May 2023Ben Houdijk / Shutterstock

Along with the official statement about the cancelations, the Instagram post includes a message from Springsteen himself.

"Over here on E Street, we’re heartbroken to have to postpone these shows," Springsteen shared. "First, apologies to our fabulous Philly fans who we missed a few weeks ago. We’ll be back to pick these shows up and then some. Thank you for your understanding and support. We’ve been having a blast at our US shows and we’re looking forward to more great times. We’ll be back soon."

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Two August shows were also postponed for Springsteen's health issues.

In his statement, Springsteen referred to two Philadelphia concerts that the band was not able to make last month. The shows scheduled for Aug. 16 and Aug. 18 did not take place as scheduled because the "Born to Run" singer was sick at that time as well.

"Due to Bruce Springsteen having been taken ill, his concerts with The E Street Band at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on August 16 and 18 have been postponed," the group shared on Instagram. "We are working on rescheduling the dates, so please hold on to your tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled shows." New dates have not yet been announced for those ticketholders.

Joining Philadelphia, the shows that have now also been postponed are the September dates for Syracuse, NY, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Uncasville, CT, Albany, NY, Columbus, OH, and Washington, DC. While Springsteen's apology includes a promise to "be back soon," the statement does not provide a timeframe for makeup dates.

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