New Jersey’s Springsteen Talks About Illness That forced Him to Cancel Tour

When you talk about Bruce Springsteen on tour, you're talking about much more than a concert.  It's more of an experience, akin to a religious gathering.

Even after all these years, Springsteen and the E Street Band bring it each and every show.  Watch Bruce on stage, and you'll never know he just turned 74.

It's rare for Bruce and his band to cancel shows.  That's why when several recently scheduled shows, including his August dates in Philadelphia, were canceled, fans became anxious.  What is wrong with Bruce?

Turns out that Springsteen is dealing with a painful condition called, Peptic Ulcers.

Peptic Ulcers are open sores in your stomach.  According to the Mayo Clinic, a common cause of these sores is the long-term use of a common pain relief class of drugs called NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs that are commonly used for everyday pain.

Some of the drugs in this class include Ibuprofen (name-brand Ibuprofen products include Advil, Motrin, and others) as well as Naproxen Sodium products like Aleve.

For his part, Springsteen seems to be doing a bit better.  He seemed to be in high spirits as he welcomed listeners to a program he was on with, "Greetings, greetings, greetings, from your favorite rock star with a b**** of a bellyache..."

Treatment for Peptic Ulcers usually involves medicines that help eliminate the bacteria, block acid, and promote healing.  People who have this condition are usually forced to make lifestyle changes like eliminating alcohol and smoking.

While his condition may be painful, it's not usually life-threatening if treated.

In an interview with People Magazine, Bruce 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.”

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have announced they'll be making up their canceled Philly shows next August.

Bruce Springsteen shares enormity of pain he’s in since postponing tour | Fox News

Bruce Springsteen Says Peptic Ulcer Disease Has 'Been a Monster' (people.com)