Guitarist Richie Sambora is leaving Bon Jovi's ''Because We Can'' tour.
At least, for a while.

The band made the announcement on their official website, saying
only, "Due to personal issues, Richie Sambora will not be performing
on this upcoming leg. All shows will go on as scheduled."The 53
year-old has struggled with substance abuse and has done several
stints in rehab.

Sambora was absent from the band's show in Alberta, Canada,
on April 2nd. Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi said to the crowd: "I
had two choices - pack up and go home or give you everything
I got. Richie Sambora won't be performing for a while. If there's
ever a night I need you, it's tonight, Calgary!"

He also promised to make it up to the crowd by donating
$100,000 to a local shelter. Theirs no word yet on who will
be standing in for Sambora on the road.