Richie Sambora drops out of tour

Richie Sambora has pulled out of Bon Jovi's tour.
The rock band's Because We Can: The Tour is in support of their latest record What About Now. It kicked off in February, but last night guitarist Richie failed to join the rest of the group on stage in Calgary, Canada.
A statement has now been released on Bon Jovi's website. "Due to personal issues, Richie Sambora will not be performing on this upcoming leg. All shows will go on as scheduled," it reads.
There is no more information on why Richie has taken some time off.
It appears his decision was a surprise even to his bandmates, with lead singer Jon Bon Jovi referencing it on stage last night.
"I had two choices - pack up and go home or give you everything I got," he said to the crowd, after the group came on late.
"Richie Sambora won't be performing for a while. If there's ever a night I need you, it's tonight, Calgary!"
According to MailOnline, the band was told Richie was taking some time out at 3.30pm yesterday.
The Jeff and Sarah Show on local radio station Q107 kept rock fans updated during the course of the evening via Twitter.
"Bon Jovi 45 mins late.Must b teaching an intern how 2 play Richie Sambora parts. Sambora not playing 4 personal reasons," a message read.
"BonJovi is dishing out after rocky start sans Sambora. Says Sambora IS NOT in jail or hospital.
"BonJovi calling fans up on stage 2 play air guitar since Richie Sambora is MIA (sic)."
Bon Jovi began the tour in February and are due to travel to Africa and Europe for shows, before finishing up in America in October.
In 2011, Richie missed 13 of the band's Bon Jovi Live tour because he checked into rehab.
The band is comprised of Jon, Richie, Tico Torres and David Bryan.