Singer Jon Bon Jovi has slammed celebrity gossip website TMZ after it instigated rumours that a rift between himself and Richie Sambora caused the guitarist to leave the band’s tour.

On April 2nd, Sambora took to Twitter and revealed: "Thank you everyone for your concern. I'm well, but had to stay in LA to take care of a personal matter. Love you all and see you very soon."

The ‘personal matter’ was much speculated in the press, and TMZ claimed it was down to a disagreement within the ranks of the band. But in a recent interview, frontman Jon made a point of rubbishing the rumours of infighting.

Speaking to US newspaper the Austin American-Statesman, he said: "Don't believe what you read on TMZ because it's the furthest thing from the truth.

"I think Richie's doing all right, I haven't spoken to him. We were surprised," he added. "It was 3:30pm on show day on Tuesday and we got a phone call that he wouldn't be there. It's a personal matter."

Check out a recent interview with the band here: