Richie Sambora reportedly underwent "emergency surgery" after fracturing his hand during a game of touch football. According to People, the former Bon Jovi guitarist suffered the injury in late April and still managed to perform at the Kentucky Derby Unbridled Eve Derby Gala event on May 2 (pictured above).
"He caught a ball and some guy gave him a touch right into a curb. He was completely swollen, and fractured his hand in two places," a source told the outlet. Despite being in "so much pain," Sambora still insisted on performing at the event. "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 described the healing process as "arduous, slow, and painful;" however, they noted that according to doctors, Sambora's healing rate is double what is expected for this type of injury.
The musician turned 66 on Friday (July 11) and celebrated by sharing a new song titled "Born to Rock." Shortly after releasing the song, he wrote on X: Hey everyone! Im almost back! And to thank my friends and fans all over the world for the love , support and the faith to listen. Sending love and gratitude backatcha"