Richie Sambora Quits Bon Jovi Tour

Rocker Richie Sambora has bowed out of Bon Jovi's current tour, citing "personal issues".

The guitarist, who has been a member of Bon Jovi since 1983, did not specify his reason for pulling out of the upcoming North _A_merican leg of the band's Because We Can trek.

A statement on the Bon Jovi website reads, "Due to personal issues, Richie Sambora will not be performing on this upcoming leg. _A_ll shows will go on as scheduled."

Sambora was missing when the Livin' on a Prayer hitmakers played the Scotiabank Saddledome arena in Calgary, Canada, on Tuesday (02_A_pr13) night.

Frontman Jon Bon Jovi told the crowd, "I had two choices - pack up and go home or give you everything I got. Richie Sambora won't be performing for a while. If there's ever a night I need you, it's tonight, Calgary!"

The singer is said to have promised to donate to a local charity to make amends for Sambora's absence.

Sambora has endured a turbulent few years which have included a stint in rehab, a drink-driving conviction, and a divorce from actress Heather Locklear.