Guitarist Richie Sambora will not be performing with Bon Jovi during the current leg of the band’s Because We Can tour.
The band, on its website, cited “personal issues.” The band says all shows will go on as scheduled. No other information was given.
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Fan comments on BonJovi.com are a mix of disappointment and worry for Sambora’s health. The 53-year-old has struggled with substance abuse and has done several stints in rehab.
“Hope Richie is ok,” writes “Jovi Jill” in a typical entry. “I finally convinced my brother, after many years of trying, to come to a Bon Jovi concert. That concert is in Winnipeg on Friday and now Richie won’t be there…..I’m sorry but this just sucks. It really does.”
Hours before the announcement late Tuesday, Sambora tweeted that he was “Watching more of the `Every Road Leads Home To You’ cover videos.” That was a reference to a fan contest promoting a song on his solo album, “Aftermath of the Lowdown.”
Bon Jovi is slated to perform in Edmonton, Canada, on Wednesday and the current leg of the tour is scheduled to end April 25 in San Jose, Calif.
The band’s latest album, “What About Now,” recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 101,000 in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan.