Sambora leaves tour, checks into rehab

Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora has left the band's tour, reportedly to check into rehab to deal with his alcohol abuse problem and exhaustion, according to RadarOnline.com.

Bon Jovi issued a statement saying that the tour, which was set to play in New Orleans Saturday and scheduled for Nassau Coliseum on May 6, will continue as scheduled.

"Our support for Richie is absolute," the band said. "He is, and will remain, a member of Bon Jovi. Although he will be absent from upcoming shows for the time being, we very much look forward to his healthy return. In the meantime, we will keep our commitment to our fans and continue our tour."

Sambora had gone into rehab in 2007, after his breakup with longtime girlfriend Denise Richards and the death of his father.

Sambora's representative declined further comment, "out of respect for Richie."

Bon Jovi's 2010 tour for "The Circle" was the biggest of the year, grossing $146.5 million, according to Billboard.

This year's "Greatest Hits" tour started in February and was set to run until July.

The band was looking at taking some time off after the tour.

"We do need a little bit of a break, but not that much of a break, 'cause what's going to happen is there's more songs to be written," Sambora told Billboard in January. "Guess what? We want to be the Rolling Stones. I know I do."