Rocker Richie Sambora has bowed out of Bon Jovi's current tour, citing "personal issues".

The guitarist, who has been a member of Bon Jovi since 1983, did not give any further reason for pulling out of the North American leg of the band's Because We Can trek.

A statement posted on the Bon Jovi website reads, "Due to personal issues, Richie Sambora will not be performing on this upcoming leg. All shows will go on as scheduled."

Sambora was missing when the Livin' on a Prayer hitmakers played the Scotiabank Saddledome arena in Calgary, Canada, on Tuesday (02Apr13) night.

Frontman Jon Bon Jovi told 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!"

The singer is said to have promised to donate to a local charity to make amends for Sambora's absence.

Sambora has endured a turbulent few years which have included a stint in rehab, a drink-driving conviction, and a divorce from actress Heather Locklear.