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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In my humble opinion Richie was a much better singer than JBJ then and now. His solo material is excellent.
It would be great if Richie returned to the band cuz Jon Bon Jovi sure needs help with the vocals. IMO, Jon’s vocals sound worse than Vince Neil’s and Paul Stanley’s vocals…..well, maybe not as bad as Paul Stanley, but pretty close…..
Nothing against Phil X, but Bon Jovi without Sambora is like Aerosmith without Perry, or The Rolling Stones without Richards! This has been a long overdue time coming, hopefully with Sambora back in the band Bon Jovi will be more like the old Bon Jovi and less like Dylan (eye roll) f–k all the political bullsh-t, go back to the good ol days and just “Let It Rock!!”
Aww, I like Phil X, he’s super talented, and can sing, too.
But if the potential return of Sambora, will turn the Bon Jovi ship around towards rock island, then yes, it’s a must.
Oh I absolutely agree, Dana, Phil is super talented, but Bon Jovi just isn’t Bon Jovi without Sambora, imagine AC⚡DC without Angus, huh? Exactly! Well that’s how I look at it 😉
Motley Crue without Mick Mars, I’m a huge fan of John 5 and I think he fits in great with the Crue, and due to the fact that Mars just can’t tour anymore it’s understandable, but to let something like little petty differences keep a band separated (Sambora/Bon Jovi) is just stupid! Get it back together now before it’s too late!
Well hopefully it’s not just a money grab along with prerecorded vocal tracks for John’s shot voice , john needs to be able to song live
And sound great
I haven’t seen Jon saying anything about this. I really like Phil X, (especially vocally) but I know the fans would love a reunion. It seems unlikely that if Richie rejoined the band, they would suddenly be playing hard(ish) rock again. That’s just not the direction of the band it seems. However, I’m sure people will go to the shows to see them play the hits again. They’ll probably have to drop down a few keys to allow Jon to sing those songs. It’s hard for most to hit the same notes as they did in their 20’s, night after night. Who knows, maybe Richie does have a few good new Bon Jovi songs in him.