GUITARIST Richie Sambora has joined Australia’s Rock The Boat cruise as his star rises once more in the wake of former band Bon Jovi’s return.
The cruise leaves Sydney for Noumea on October 25 before returning on November 1 and the Matt Sorum-curated collective Kings Of Chaos is the headliner.
But former Deep Purple singer and bassist Glenn Hughes recently retired from touring for medical reasons, leaving a space in the all-star band.
That has been filled by 67-year-old Sambora but he has actually replaced two musicians, with Dead Daisies and former Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich also dropping out.
The advertised line-up for Kings Of Chaos on Rock The Boat is now Billy Gibbons, Robin Zander, Nuno Bettencourt, Sorum, Gilby Clark, James Lomenzo, Mike Mangan and Sambora.
A statement read: “As a legendary guitarist, songwriter and iconic founding member of Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora has been a defining force in rock music for decades.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome him on board and look forward to seeing him bring his iconic sound and unforgettable catalogue to Rock the Boat.
” We are also pleased to announce the addition of Mike Mangan (USA) of The Cult to the lineup on keyboard.
“Mike’s incredible musicianship will be a fantastic addition to Kings of Chaos.
“We also wish to advise that with the addition of Richie Sambora on guitar, Doug Aldrich will no longer be performing on Rock the Boat 2026. “
Tickets for Rock The Boat are still available HERE.