Fans were shocked when the legendary Bruce Springsteen showed up to perform his first show in months on Tuesday night looking unrecognizable, with some going so far as to say that he looked like the Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton or the radically liberal soccer star Megan Rapinoe.
Springsteen’s Bizarre Appearance
The New York Post reported that Springsteen, 74, performed in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday after postponing shows due to his peptic ulcer disease. He showed up to the gig wearing a half-buttoned red flannel and dark jeans, and he looked noticeably paler than usual. Springsteen also rocked stark white hair and a complexion that looked rather pallid.
Fans were quick to let their confusion over Springsteen’s bizarre appearance be known, speculating that he now resembles some very famous women.
“That’s Tilda Swinton,” one social media user commented, with another adding, “I’m not even trying to be funny when I say I thought this was Megan Rapinoe.”
“Is that Ellen DeGeneres,” a third person commented, with a fourth simply stating that the “Born To Run” singer “looks freaking terrible.”
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Springsteen’s First Show In Months
Tuesday’s show was the first time that Springsteen had performed with the E Street Band since September of 2023, when he was forced to postpone shows after being diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease.
“Over here on E Street, we’re heartbroken to have to postpone these shows,” he wrote on Instagram at the time.
“We’ve been having a blast at our US shows and we’re looking forward to more great times,” Springsteen added. “We’ll be back soon. Love and God bless all, Bruce.”
Springsteen later cancelled all of his remaining 2023 dates.
“Bruce Springsteen has continued to recover steadily from peptic ulcer disease over the past few weeks and will continue treatment through the rest of the year on doctor’s advice,” read another Instagram post. “With this in mind, and out of an abundance of caution, all remaining 2023 tour dates for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be postponed until 2024.”
Springsteen briefly touched on his illness at the end of his three-hour show on Tuesday.
“Phoenix, first I want to apologize if there was any discomfort because we had to move the show last time,” Springsteen told the crowd. “I hope we didn’t inconvenience you too much.”
Related: Michelle Obama Sings Backup For Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen’s Mother Passes Away
This comes two months after Springsteen lost his beloved mother Adele, who died on January 31 at the age of 98 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Afterwards, he honored her on Instagram with lyrics from his song “The Wish,” which is about his younger years.
“I remember in the morning mom hearing your alarm clock ring,” he wrote. “I’d lie in bed and listen to you getting ready for work, the sound of your makeup case on the sink. And the ladies at the office all lipstick, perfume and rustling skirts, how proud and happy you always looked walking home from work.”
“It ain’t no phone call on Sunday, flowers or a Mother’s Day card. It ain’t no house on the hill with a garden and a nice little yard,” Springsteen added. “I’ve got my hot rod down on Bond Street I’m older but you’ll know me in a glance. We’ll find us a little rock ‘n roll bar and we’ll go out and dance.”
Springsteen has yet to address the speculation over his appearance at his latest concert.
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