Richie Sambora gave an update on the Bon Jovi reunion situation the other day and sadly… it’s not looking too good.
Last Thursday (15th June), The Nights with Alice Cooper Radio Show had a little chat with the 63 year old rocker while he was attending the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame ceremony in Manhattan. Richie was asked the question about returning to the band and he said “Naaah! No, not even close. Nobody asked me yet.”
So there goes everyone’s hopes of Richie returning to the band in which he made a name for himself as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Back in February 2023, Richie Sambora starred in the UK version of The Masked Singer and went on to win it as a giant baked potato.
Richie went on to say “But I could do it tomorrow if they asked me.”
Sambora no Mora
Richie Sambora made a sudden departure from the band before a show in Calgary back in 2013 on the “Because We Can” Tour supporting the release of the album “What About Now”. Sambora joined the New Jersey band back in 1983 after unsuccessfully auditioning to be Ace Frehley’s replacement in KISS. Sambora along with Jon Bon Jovi created the main song writing unit for the band and penned hits such as “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” which they wrote in Richie’s mom’s basement next to the dryer.
When Sambora left it was cited as “personal issues” trying to debunk the rumours that Jon had kicked Richie out of the band. In 2014, Jon confirmed saying that Richie had “quit – he’s gone.” Later in 2016 Richie stated, “I really needed to take some time to be with my daughter… She needed me and I needed her, actually.” Sambora has a daughter called Ava with former wife Heather Locklear (former wife of Tommy Lee, Motley Crue).
Richie Sambora is also a successful solo artist with three albums under his belt, “Stranger in this Town” (1991), “Undiscovered Soul” (1998) and “Aftermath of the Lowdown” (2012).
A Sprinkle of a Reunion
Richie joined his fellow band mates along with original bassist Alec John Such (who passed away in June 2022 aged 70) on stage during Bon Jovi’s Induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. They performed “When We Were Us”, You Give Love a Bad Name”, “It’s My Name” and “Living on a Prayer”.
Richie again poked the reunion bear in 2020 when talking to the Daily Mail, stating that “It would have to be a special situation for me to go back, but I’m certainly not counting it out. I have no malice toward that band.”
If Richie was to return to Bon Jovi, what would happen to their current guitarist Phil X?
Phil X is a Canadian session and touring musician who filled in for Richie for 13 dates of “The Circle” tour. Richie went into rehab for substance abuse. Phil X naturally was asked to fill in once again in 2013 and became an official member of Bon Jovi since 2016, taking on the role of lead guitarist, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist. Phil X has his own band Phil X and the Drills.
What About Now
Bon Jovi have toured and released three albums since Richie’s departure. While fans have continued to attend their gigs and stream the albums, a lot of people have noticed the difference in performance and the certain spark between Jon and the band. Jon Bon Jovi has gone through personal troubles himself and has been putting a lot of time and energy into his charity JBJ Soul Foundation which he started back in 2006.
Richie has recently teased of new music in the works following on his success as the masked singer and also has a guest spot on Dolly Parton’s rock album, “Rockstar”.
Bon Jovi currently have no tour dates in the wind so there is still a little hope left they all might once again ride a steel horse to see a million faces, that would definitely rock us all!
GlamRat 