FORMER GUITARIST RICHIE SAMBORA SAYS A BON JOVI REUNION SHOULD HAPPEN “FOR THE FANS”
Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, spoke with UK’s Absolute Radio host Leona Graham about a possible reunion with his old band.
Sambora said (as per blabbermouth.net), “We’re talking about it. I don’t think there’s any reason not to at this point.”
He added, “Jon [Bon Jovi] was having a hard time with his voice a little bit there and he needed to take a little bit of a breather. I don’t know when Jon’s going to get his voice together and [when the reunion is] going to happen, but we have to get out there and do it for the fans, really. I feel a second obligation.”
When asked if he will write new music with the band Sambora said, “Oh, if he doesn’t let me, he’s crazy. I’m on a tear…”
The guitarist also revealed that he has remained on good terms with Jon in the decade since his departure, explaining, “You know what, there’s no malice. I mean, we did something… there’s not a lot of bands that did what we did. I mean, obviously, bands like The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and U2[have].”
Sambora, who joined the group in 1983, and co-wrote most of their iconic hits over the following three decades, hasn’t performed a full show with the band since he left the “Because We Can” tour 10 years ago.
He joined Bon Jovi on stage in April 2018, at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland, marking his first performance with the band in five years. Also appearing with the band was former bassist Alec John Such, who hadn’t played with them, since a one-off performance in 2001. The performed several crowd favorites, including Livin’ On A Prayer, You Give Love A Bad Name and It’s My Life.
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You can only drop so much before the song sounds awful … here is another situation where a very popular singer has blown out and lost his singing voice… it’s really a lose lose situation , if he sings it live it will sound horrible … if he lip syncs everyone will know he’s faking it , because the fans have been at recent shows and heard his terrible live performances … he should go out with some dignity before he really blows it , getting older happens there is no shame in it , he has nothing to gain and so much to lose …
As much as everyone (me included) would love to have Richie back, Jon runs that ship and will continue down the path of contemporary adult music. They were already heading that direction with Richie in the band so unless Jon relinquishes some control (which he won’t), the days of seeing/hearing a full set of rock songs from them is slim to none. Personally they should get Richie back and go out and just play a set from the ‘89 New Jersey tour with a few of the songs from the 90’s and early 2000’s, included, as a “welcome back Richie” thing…assuming Jon can get his voice back. Wishful thinking I know.