Bon Jovi star Richie Sambora is happy to fly solo

As an integral part of Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora has played some of the world’s biggest stages.

But when the guitarist comes to Glasgow this week he won’t be performing at Hampden or Ibrox, where the multimillion selling band have previously performed to sell-out crowds.

The 54yearold plays the relatively cosy confines of the 1,500capacity O2 ABC on Thursday night as a solo performer.

Stepping from the shadows into centre stage has come as a result of his departure from Bon Jovi, amid rumours of a falling out with singer and long-time songwriting partner, Jon Bon Jovi.

The pair have been responsible for some of rock’s most instantly recognisable anthems, such as Livin’ on a Prayer and Wanted Dead or Alive, but the band had to find a replacement for Richie on their latest tour after he walked out.

Sambora will be playing a mix of Bon Jovi songs and tracks from his three solo albums, including the recent Aftermath of the Lowdown, on his solo tour. But the New Jersey native hasn’t ruled out a reunion with Bon Jovi.

Speaking in a recent interview, he insisted: “I still see the possibility of a return. There are just a few steps I need to take.”

Talking about what led to the split, he added: “I just wanted calmer waters and to do something for myself.

“But the Bon Jovi machine was on. We had just finished another tour and I saw a year of other priorities for me. I wanted to make my own music and preferred doing a few shows with my own band. That was just not accepted.”