The 73-year-old rock legend announced on his website that he and backing band E Street would be postponing this month's performances under doctors' orders.

The Born To Run singer was due to play tomorrow in Syracuse, New York, along with multiple other venues around the US throughout the month including Washington DC, Baltimore, Connecticut and Ohio.

They will now be played at later dates.

Springsteen posted on social media and his website saying he was "heartbroken" at the sudden turn of events.

The Golden Globe-winning musician said: "Over here on E Street, we're heartbroken to have to postpone these shows.

"We'll be back to pick up these shows and then some.

"We've been having a blast at our US shows and we're looking forward to more great times. We'll be back soon."

He also apologised to his "fabulous" Philadelphia fans after cancelling shows there a few weeks back due to illness.

The statement referenced his "peptic ulcer" - a disease characterised by open sores developing in the lining of the stomach or small intestine which can produce heartburn, nausea and serious stomach pain.

Springsteen, renowned for his high-energy, three-hour plus concerts with his longstanding band, recently performed three nights of shows in his home state of New Jersey.

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His worldwide tour has flown him to Europe, including London.

The shows marked Springsteen and the E Street Band's first tour since February 2017, and their first in North America since September 2016.

They headlined the British Summertime Festival in London's Hyde Park in July.

Stars including eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, Peter Gabriel, Billy Joel and Jon Bon Jovi watched the three-hour set.

Springsteen's tour with the E Street Band is due to wrap up on 12 December with the final concert in San Francisco.