THE lead guitarist from Bon Jovi has been arrested on suspicion of drink-drinking.

Richie Sambora, 48, pictured, was arrested on Tuesday in Laguna Beach, California, after an officer noticed his Hummer weaving in traffic.

He is now due up in court just weeks before the band are due to start the UK leg of the Lost Highway Tour on June 11 at St Mary's stadium in Southampton - two years after the band last appeared in the city.

Sambora, a founding member of Bon Jovi, was released at about 4am yesterday and given notice to appear in court on May 7 on one misdemeanour count of driving under the influence.

A spokesman for Bon Jovi had no comment.

It is not clear yet what effect, if any, there would be on the tour were Sambora to be found guilty and jailed.

Bon Jovi, considered one of the greatest rock bands in the world, are also due to visit Glasgow, Manchester, Coventry, Bristol and London after their June date in Southampton.

The group began their world tour in their home state of New Jersey and will be performing more than 90 concerts in 16 countries.

When they appeared at St Mary's in 2006, Bon Jovi received a rapturous reception from 35,000 fans, belting out such classics as Livin' on a Prayer and You Give Love a Bad Name.

Bon Jovi have sold more than 120 million albums in the past 20 years.