Gig review – RICHIE SAMBORA – Islington Academy, London, 13 June 2014

‘He walked in to the party like he was walking on to a yacht’, so the song goes. Richie Sambora strutted on to the stage dressed in a smart white jacket and ripped jeans to be greeted by enthusiastic screams from eager female fans. He was closely followed by his band which included the brilliant female guitarist, Orianthi, from Australia.

After opening with ‘Every Road Leads Home To You’, Richie’s white jacket was quickly replaced with his trusty Fender Stratocaster, which was greeted by rapturous applause from the sell-out crowd. The crowd had added to the décor of the venue ‘I Love Richie’ banners dotted around the hall. The set list included solo tracks and some Bon Jovi classics such as ‘Lay Your Hands On Me’, ‘I’ll Be There For You’ and ‘Living On A Prayer’.

The guitar playing of Orianthi was exceptional. Previously a member of Alice Cooper’s band she seemed a bit nervous at first but she soon settled down and musically got in to her stride. Orianthi and Richie’s guitar playing complemented each other perfectly. The set was finished off with another brace of Jovi songs ‘Wanted Dead Or Alive’ and ‘These Days’.

This was a great warm up gig for Richie’s Download Festival appearance the following day which was enjoyed by a very appreciative audience. At times throughout the night the crowd took over the show with their singing which left Richie speechless, but he was more than happy to accompany them all on his guitar.

This tour is a bit limited, consisting of only twelve dates which are mostly in Europe, but for those Sambora fans lucky enough to be in attendance tonight it was a gig to remember.

Review and Photos by Darran Scott

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