Richie Sambora might still make it to the New Orleans Jazz Fest
Published: Saturday, April 30, 2011, 9:15 AM
Updated: Saturday, April 30, 2011, 9:37 AM
Reports that Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora was bound for rehab this week seemed to indicate that he would miss the band's Saturday performance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. The band confirmed as much with a posting on its web site that read in part, "Although he will be absent from upcoming shows for the time being, we very much look forward to his healthy return. In the meantime, we will keep our commitment to our fans and continue our tour."
However, as I left the Fair Grounds around 8:45 p.m. on Friday after filing my last reviews, the Bon Jovi road crew was already assembling the band's gear on the Acura Stage. Tico Torres' massive drum kit was in place; it will be moved to the back of the stage as other bands perform Saturday.
Interestingly, at stage right stood a standard microphone and the tube device used for "talk box" guitar solos.
A member of the crew confirmed that this was Sambora's guitar rig. So would Sambora actually make the gig at Jazz Fest? "We'll see what happens," said the roadie, declining to elaborate further.
Jon Bon Jovi was in New Orleans on Friday; he met with at-risk young people at Café Reconcile, part of his duties for the White House Council for Community Solutions.
If Sambora jets in for the gig - either taking a break from rehab, or delaying his admission into a program - he would likely receive a hero's welcome from fans who count him as an integral part of Bon Jovi's appeal.
If he doesn't make the gig, the question remains who Bon Jovi would use as a stand-in. If it's an unknown, then a surprise appearance by a guest star or two would go a long way to mitigating disappointment at Sambora's absence.
But the best substitute for Richie Sambora would be...Richie Sambora.
Interestingly, at stage right stood a standard microphone and the tube device used for "talk box" guitar solos.
A member of the crew confirmed that this was Sambora's guitar rig. So would Sambora actually make the gig at Jazz Fest? "We'll see what happens," said the roadie, declining to elaborate further.
Jon Bon Jovi was in New Orleans on Friday; he met with at-risk young people at Café Reconcile, part of his duties for the White House Council for Community Solutions.
If Sambora jets in for the gig - either taking a break from rehab, or delaying his admission into a program - he would likely receive a hero's welcome from fans who count him as an integral part of Bon Jovi's appeal.
If he doesn't make the gig, the question remains who Bon Jovi would use as a stand-in. If it's an unknown, then a surprise appearance by a guest star or two would go a long way to mitigating disappointment at Sambora's absence.
But the best substitute for Richie Sambora would be...Richie Sambora.
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