Bon Jovi guitarist goes to rehab

Sambora (left) has played with Bon Jovi since 1983

Bon Jovi lead guitarist Richie Sambora has entered a treatment facility in Los Angeles, a spokesperson for the band has confirmed.

He checked in on Wednesday. No other details, such as the treatment he was seeking, were disclosed.

"He asks that you respect his and his family's privacy at this time," said the 47-year-old's spokesman.

Sambora recently lost his father to lung cancer, split with his girlfriend, and finalised his divorce.

The guitarist married actress Heather Locklear in 1994, and the couple have a nine-year-old daughter, Ava Elizabeth.

Locklear filed for divorce in 2006 citing irreconcilable differences and the marriage officially came to an end in April.

Sambora briefly dated actress Denise Richards, but their relationship also ended earlier this year.

It is not thought that Sambora's treatment will affect his role in Bon Jovi.

The band are due to release their 10th studio album, Lost Highway, later this month.

They are also scheduled to play the O2 arena in London on 24 June, and are among the bands lined up for the Live Earth gigs in July.

A spokesperson for the O2 said the concert would go ahead as planned, featuring Sambora.