Legendary Rocker, 65, Didn't Let Fractured Hand Stop Him From Performing at Kentucky Derby
Former lead guitarist Richie Sambora was slated to perform for the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala on May 2 at the Kentucky Derby weekend festivities, but a source told People that he fractured his hand a week prior while playing touch football — which could be a problem for a guitar player.
'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. He'll undergo surgery next week," said the source.
However, the 65-year-old rock star didn't let a little thing like a fractured hand stop him, despite being in "over the top" pain. He still took the stage at the Unbridled Eve gala and performed four of Bon Jovi's biggest hits: "I'll Be There For You," "It's My Life," "Livin' on a Prayer," and "Wanted Dead or Alive."
"He killed it. Richie just rocked the house. The fans were going nuts. [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," said the source.
Sambora is a frequent Kentucky Derby attendee. Each year, he auctions off some piece of memorabilia at the gala. Each year, the gala raises money for different charities. Blessings in a Backpack is a frequent beneficiary, according to the Unbridled website.
"Through Blessings in a Backpack, a child living in a food-insecure situation can be fed on weekends for one year for just $130. Since 2012, the money donated by Unbridled Eve has provided 76,000 hunger-free weekends for kids across the nation, including Blessings first program at Roosevelt Perry Elementary School in Louisville. Students enrolled in this program show improved health, increased attendance, higher reading levels, and better test scores," reads the website.
This year, Sambora auctioned off a custom-designed guitar and some guitar lessons, which brought in $35,000. All told, Sambora has raised over $700,000 for charity at the annual gala, according to People.
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