Richie Sambora, the iconic guitarist from Bon Jovi, navigated a challenging year marked by a severe hand injury and the loss of his mother. The 66-year-old musician prioritized family care and recovery, setting the stage for his return to performing.
The Debilitating Hand Injury
In early 2025, Sambora fractured his hand twice after hitting a curb during a casual touch football game with neighbors. He delayed surgery to fulfill a commitment to perform at the Unbridled Derby Eve Gala during the Kentucky Derby, defying medical advice despite visible swelling and pain.
Throughout the summer of 2025, Sambora dedicated himself to intensive rehabilitation. A close friend noted that he feared the injury might end his guitar-playing career. Daily workouts helped rebuild strength, even as medical devices gave his hand a ‘robo-hand’ appearance. ‘It’s healed but scar tissue is still in the way,’ the friend explained.
Caring for His Mother Amid Recovery
Complications arose when Sambora’s mother, Joan, suffered health declines after multiple falls. As her only child, he moved into her New Jersey basement to provide daily care. ‘That was the low point because he was stuck in this basement taking care of his mom every day,’ a close friend recalled. The cold environment hindered his hand recovery compared to warmer conditions elsewhere.
Joan Sambora passed away on January 11 at age 89, leaving Sambora and his 28-year-old daughter, Ava, whom he shares with ex-wife Heather Locklear, in mourning. Ava has remained a key part of his support network.
Path to Recovery and Upcoming Performance
Sambora collaborated with elite specialists, including those who treat NFL athletes and Carlos Santana’s doctor. ‘It’s painful as hell,’ his friend said. ‘It’s very demoralizing when the pace of healing is on a different track.’ Recently, Sambora expressed confidence, stating, ‘I could do this.’
He prepares for his first stage appearance since the injury at the Unbridled Derby Eve Gala this week. The Grammy winner will auction a guitar recovered after 41 years—stolen decades ago and used to write many Bon Jovi hits—symbolizing a turning point.
Band Dynamics and Future Focus
This comeback follows Bon Jovi’s announcement of a Forever Tour without Sambora, six months ago. Ongoing tensions with frontman Jon Bon Jovi, stemming from a 2013 departure over pay disputes, persist. ‘Richie always said that he’d go back—Richie’s voice is spectacular and ready to go,’ a friend shared. ‘Jon forced him out in 2013 and still doesn’t want him around now.’
Another source described them as ‘oil and water,’ noting a reunion would require extraordinary circumstances. Sambora’s priorities stayed on recovery and family, leaving little room for dating. He mentioned a two-year relationship on a podcast in April 2025, but healing his hand—essential to his life as a guitarist—took precedence.
