Richie Sambora reportedly underwent emergency surgery after breaking his hand while playing touch football, according to People magazine.
The former Bon Jovi guitarist is said to be recovering well after having his hand re-broken and reset to correct the initial injury, which occurred in April.
A source close to Sambora stated that, despite being an “arduous, slow and painful process,” doctors have noted that the guitarist’s healing rate is twice as fast as expected for such an injury.
“He caught a ball and some guy gave him a touch right into a curb,” the unnamed source explained. “He was completely swollen and fractured his hand in two places.” Despite the injury, Sambora performed live on May 2 at the Unbridled Eve Gala, part of the annual Kentucky Derby festivities.
“When he told the doctor he was going to the Derby, the doctor said, ‘You’re out of your mind.’ But [Sambora] said, ‘See ya! I’m going,’” the source recalled. “That’s the kind of guy Richie is. He’s a man of his word.”
On Friday, Sambora celebrated his 66th birthday by releasing a new song titled “Born to Rock.” “Hey everyone! I’m almost back!” he declared in a post soon afterward. “Thank you my friends and fans all over the world for the love, support, and the faith to listen. Sending love and gratitude back to you.”