Richie Sambora brought rock energy to the 2024 Kentucky Derby festivities despite nursing a painful injury. Just a week before taking the stage at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala on May 2, the 65-year-old guitarist fractured his hand in two places during a casual game of touch football in New Jersey, where he’s currently staying to care for his mother, Joan.

According to someone close to the situation, Sambora caught a pass and collided with a curb after being pushed, leaving his hand severely swollen and broken. He’s expected to undergo surgery in the coming days.

Still, true to his reputation, the former Bon Jovi guitarist didn’t let the injury hold him back. Performing through intense pain, Sambora delivered a high-energy set featuring four of Bon Jovi’s biggest hits that he co-wrote: “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “It’s My Life,” “I’ll Be There for You,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.”

“He absolutely delivered. The crowd went wild,” the source shared, adding that Sambora’s doctor had warned him against performing, but he refused to back out. “That’s Richie — he keeps his word.”

A longtime supporter of the Kentucky Derby, Sambora marked his 11th year attending by continuing his tradition of giving back. At this year’s gala, he auctioned off a custom guitar and private lessons, raising $35,000 for charity.

READ ANOTHER RECENT STORY https://classic97.net/ahmed-musa-to-lead-super-eagles-at-unity-cup/