Rock Legend Richie Sambora Defies All Odds—Drops Explosive New ‘Born to Rock’ Single Just Weeks After Shattering Hand—Fans Stunned by Bon Jovi Icon’s Grit, Determination, and Unbreakable Spirit as Comeback Track Ignites Global Frenzy and Inspires Millions With Unstoppable Message of Resilience

Richie Sambora is “Born to Rock,” and he’s not letting a busted hand stop him.

Sambora, formerly of Bon Jovi, released a preview of a new single, “Born to Rock,” on July 11. The crunchy arena-ready anthem is a call to the indomitable spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Check it out below.

“It’s a fun and happy anthem for those who were born to rock! Plain and simple,” said Sambora to People of the song.

The preview of “Born to Rock” was released on Sambora’s 66th birthday. The Woodbridge native previously fractured his left hand in a game of touch football in Jersey. The rocker was caring for his mom, Joan (who lives in Point Pleasant), at the time.

The injury was so severe that Sambora was unable to play guitar at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala May 2 at the eve of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville. Sambora sang several Bon Jovi classics at the gala that he co-wrote, including “Livin’ on a Prayer.”


Richie Sambora performs at the 12th annual Unbridled Eve Kentucky Derby Gala May 2 at The Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.© Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Unbridled Eve

Sambora, who exited Bon Jovi in 2013, was part of the “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story” four-part documentary that premiered in April 2024 on Hulu. He released several singles in the year as well.

©Michelle Hutchins/Special to Courier-Journal

Richie Sambora performs at the Unbridled Eve Gala at the Galt House Hotel on May 3, 2024 in Louisville, KY.

The band Bon Jovi played a rare show June 14 at the Marathon Music Works in Nashville that was part of a Runway Tours fan club package.

Frontman Jon Bon Jovi has been battling atrophied vocal cords that has kept him from touring for three years. He had a surgical procedure called medialization, which provides support to a vocal fold that lacks either the bulk or mobility (or both) that it once had.

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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora releases new ‘Born to Rock’ single after fracturing hand