Richie Sambora performed at the Kentucky Derby last weekend, despite a serious hand injury that would have sent anyone home.
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The former Bon Jovi guitarist doesn't break his promises. He was set to perform at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, and it would take a lot more than a significant injury to stop him. A source spoke to PEOPLE about Sambora's injury and performance. We can only assume the source is close to the artist.
The 65-year-old has been staying in New Jersey to take care of his mum. There, he thought to engage in a bit of touch football. As you can predict, this led to an accident that sent him to the hospital.
"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," the source recalled. "He'll undergo surgery next week."
That's right, next week. He performed with an injured hand that needs extensive rest before the surgery. And here he is shredding it on the guitar.
Apparently, the pain was "over the top" in his hand. Yet he delivered an incredible performance.
Richie Sambora "Killed It" Despite Painful Injury
Speaking on his performance, the source said that Richie Sambora "killed it."
"Richie just rocked the house. The fans were going nuts," they said. "[But] 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."
At the derby, Sambora performed four classics that he co-wrote. "Livin' on a Prayer," "It's My Life," "I'll Be There for You," and "Wanted Dead or Alive."
Oh, what I'd do to see those live, even if the guitarist was suffering greatly.
Not only did he provide an awesome performance, but he also managed to raise $35,000 in an auction. On offer was a custom-designed guitar and lessons at the gala, a pretty lucrative offer. The proceeds went to various charities.
