Richie Sambora has suggested that Bon Jovi aren’t the real McCoy without him. Although, he accepts that frontman Jon Bon Jovi doesn’t agree with that statement.
The guitarist says his departure from the band was his own decision. And he admits he’s found it frustrating being seen a less important member than the singer.
Long-standing tensions between the pair boiled over last April, when Sambora failed to appear for a string of tour dates and was replaced by Phil X, who’d covered for him while he was in rehab in 2011.
Neither side has fully discussed the reasons for the disagreement. But in the summer Sambora predicted it would all be over in a matter of months, which proved to be untrue.
He tells the Herald Sun, “It was an unpopular decision with the fans and the band, but sometimes a man’s got to do for his family. It certainly didn’t come down to money – it’s something I needed to do for my family and myself.”
Sambora says of his absence, “At the end of the day, if you’re going to buy a can of Coke you want the real thing. I know Mick Jagger wouldn’t tour without Keith Richards and call it the Rolling Stones. Jon just has a different mentality.”
Sambora remains disappointed at how his contribution has been viewed, saying: “For the longest time, even now, I’m considered Bon Jovi’s side-arm or something. Hey, I built this band too.”
But the door still isn’t closed on a reunion. “I’m not saying the band will not get back together at some point,” he states. “There will have to be a lot of communication, a lot of talking.”
additional source: classicrockmagazine.com
55 Responses
Ego and karma is a bitch……..
Unfortunately for Mr. Sambora, as long as Mr. Bongiovi can continue to sell out venues re-hashing the old stuff, and pay Mr. X less than a third of what Mr. Sambora was getting paid monthly, he will be out. Until there is a financial benefit for Jon to bring Richie back, it ain’t happening.
You said it. Just like Ace & Peter in Kiss. Not enough people care. They’re gone for good too.
He isn’t selling out venues…maybe the county fair…Bon jovi…the most overrated hair band ever…No one cares and Jon Bon jovi is such a pompous ass….the only good part of that band was Richie’s playing
Like them or not, Bon Jovi is a STADIUM act around the WORLD even now. Simple fact.
Are you kidding? They were like the number one or number two top grossing tour in the WORLD last year! I haven’t really paid any attention to Bon Jovi for quite some time now, but he/they are still hugely successful. A 10,000 seat arena is a “small” gig for them.
Make stuff up much? Bon Jovi is still a HUGE draw. Their musical styles evolved and they stayed relevant with new music for much longer than most acts of the same genre. As such, they have a much larger fan base that covers a wide generational spectrum. They pack it in wherever they go.
the tour they just did without Richie was NOT that successful………………ticket sales were slow in many towns and the reviews were lukewarm at best
I think that after devoting decades of his life to touring with Bon Jovi, Richie deserves to take a break, even when it’s not scheduled by the Bon Jovi machine. I don’t blame Jon for needing to finish the tour with Phil X (who is very impressive), but I don’t think Richie should be treated like a deserter because he made up his own mind as to when he needed a break. (Especially considering his struggles over the last few years). Sometimes when you give someone a break and some understanding, they come back better than ever.
Until the band’s name is SAMBORA, just STFU Richie
Last I checked “SAMBORA” wasn’t the name of the band. Go home and get your shine box Richie.