Sambora a mess at MTV taping; enters rehab
Richie Sambora, guitarist for Bon Jovi, made the taping of MTV’s Unplugged session a very difficult day for his fellow band members. The band is set to re-launch the MTV series on June 22. However, the taping on Tuesday became a disaster when Sambora’s mic had to be turned off because he was too “out of it” to play in tune. The recording was held in front of 400 fans, who witnessed Sambora’s inability to play guitar from beginning to end.
Sources say other musicians on stage did their best to cover his mistakes, and his mic was turned off so he couldn’t be off key. Despite their efforts, some songs had to be recorded several times before Sambora got it right. According to those on set, leader singer Jon Bon Jovi was clearly upset but continued through the songs “like a true pro.”
Due to the nightmare session, Sambora checked himself into an undisclosed treatment facility in Los Angeles. It’s not yet known if his rehab stint will delay the band’s touring schedule. MTV Unplugged will air June 22, with subsequent air dates on VH1 on June 23, and CMT on June 24. The band’s next album, “Lost Highway,” is available in stores on June 19.