Stephen J. Cohen/WireImageIt’s been about four years since Richie Sambora left Bon Jovi, and People reports that the guitarist remains content with his decision to part ways with the famous group. A source close to the 56-year-old rocker tells the magazine that Sambora has no plans to rejoin his old band for its 2017 tour, explaining that he’s happy to have more “quality time” to spend with his teenage daughter, Ava, and to focus on other musical projects.
“Richie’s schedule is busier now than ever, except a lot of it is with his family and around those he truly loves,” the source maintains.
Sambora has told numerous press outlets that having more time with Ava, his 18-year-old daughter with ex-wife Heather Locklear, was a main reason why he departed Bon Jovi in the first place.
Meanwhile, the source tells People that Sambora putting the “final touches” on the previously reported collaborative album he’s making with Australian guitar whiz and current girlfriend Orianthi.
“They are so happy together,” the source reports. “They have so much in common. They both love jamming guitars, writing and producing songs and of course performing. It’s their passion.”
Richie and Orianthi are working on the as-yet-untitled album with renowned producer Bob Rock. The source describes the project as “far beyond anything [Sambora] has ever done.” The couple are calling their group RSO and have plans to tour Brazil in the summer, followed by an October stint opening for Bad Company in the U.K.
The source adds, “Life is really good for him, right now. He feels so free. He said to me, ‘I’m just getting warmed up!'”
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