Rock Legend Severely Injured Before Kentucky Derby Show
Unfortunately, one rock icon suffered a major injury just days before his scheduled Kentucky Derby appearance. – Author: Cat Badra, Bon Jovi, “These Days” album cover via Mercury Records
The Kentucky Derby brings out all kinds of rock stars, whether they’re performing at the famed event or just attending it to enjoy it. Unfortunately, one rock icon suffered a major injury just days before his scheduled Kentucky Derby appearance.
The Kentucky Derby has taken place at Churchill Downs every year since 1875, and even though the race only lasts two minutes, it attracts people from all over the world. Performers hail from around the world, too.
Rock Star Suffers Injury Ahead of Kentucky Derby
Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora performed at the Kentucky Derby this year, but as it turns out, he was working through a serious injury amid the performance. A source tells People magazine that one week before his performance at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala on May 2, Sambora actually broke his hand during a game of touch football in New Jersey, where he’s been staying as he takes care of his mother, Joan.
“He caught a ball and some guy gave him a touch right into a curb,” the source tells People. “He was completely swollen, and fractured his hand in two places. He’ll undergo surgery next week.”
What’s commendable is that Sambora didn’t let the injury stop his plans to perform at the Derby. He still rock ed out at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala and pulled out four Bon Jovi hits. Even though he isn’t with the band anymore, he co-wrote all of the big hits that he played, including “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “It’s My Life,” “I’ll Be There for You” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.”
A source tells People that despite the injury, “Richie just rocked the house. The fans were going nuts.” But, the source adds that he was in “so much pain.”
“When he told the doctor he was going to the Derby, the doctor said, ‘You’re out of your mind.’ But he said, ‘See ya’ I’m going.’ That’s the kind of guy Richie is. He’s a man of his word,” the source said.
Attending the Kentucky Derby is something of a longstanding tradition for Sambora. He has been going to the Derby for the 11 years, according to People.
Why Richie Sambora Left Bon Jovi
Sambora left Bon Jovi in 2013 before a scheduled concert in Calgary during the band’s Because We Can tour. Since leaving the band, Sambora has only performed with Bon Jovi at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction in 2018. His final performance with Bon Jovi before the Rock Hall induction was on March 17, 2013 at the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas.
As for why Sambora left Bon Jovi, he sheds some light on it in the documentary “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story.” In the third episode of the series, he talks about his departure from the band, stating that it was “amalgamation” of things, including “deep family problems.”
“I spent so much time being on the road, and at that time unfortunately, my ex-wife (Heather Locklear) was having some mental health issues, and my daughter coming to an age where she could understand,” he stated. “She needed me and I needed her, truthfully, we didn’t have enough time.”
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