GUITARIST RICHIE SAMBORA SAYS THAT BON JOVI IS “NOT THE REAL THING” WITHOUT HIS PRESENCE
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
Have to say – glad Richie’s going it alone. Last couple of Bon Jovi albums have been dreadful, and Richie’s last solo album actually had feeling in it – it sounded like he was enjoying what he’s playing again. I’d rather see what he can do without pandering to the latest attempt at rock Jon wants to try and be himself – hopefully there’s a solo tour coming. Stranger in this Town is my guilty pleasure album, when I need to chill out, and that’s good mellow (it’s also Tico & Dave playing well too). I still have the Live in London DVD to watch Bon Jovi back when they were at their best – they should have moved on like this 10 years ago.
I agree on Richie’s solo stuff. His last album was pretty heavy and a massive departure from the Bon Jovi stuff. Unfortunately though it won’t amount to sales or big tours. At best he would be an opening act for a larger show. Maybe he could open for Bon Jovi (sorry).
Agreed on the last album – was a breath of fresh air to hear Richie playing like we know he can… from his heart. And I’d be delighted to see him working in some smaller venue shows – watching Eric Martin run a great set at Mexicali Live had everything I needed from a gig (and more!)… and I know Richie did some smaller dates in the UK for his Undiscovered Soul album – so he’s been there before. (Sorry British guy here in the Northeast US… not sure what Richie did here for his earlier albums!)
who cares Bon Jovi has sucked for the past 10 years
Amen…
Am I the only one who thinks that Bon Jovi is a freakin’ horrible band and an embarrasment to NJ? They NEVER were a good band even back in the 80’s. Pure CHEESE, a bland mix of Ratt, Springsteen and Foreigner with about half the talent of those bands.
And continue to be one of the biggest bands around the globe…
Eddie…they were good back in the day, but are you a fan of their newer stuff? Overhype and large female audience, and not HOF worthy I think..
Well, as a female who loves John Sykes and Priest, I guess I am one of those dimwits that fed the mediocre Bon Jovi machine.
While I understand they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, there are certainly worse band’s out there that make tons of money too. Sheesh..
Dana from EddieTrunk.com 🙂
Not meaning a large female audience is a bad thing Dana…just saying that when I have been to Bon Jovi shows it is mostly women…Not a real hard rockin band anymore, and love that you’re a Priest fan…and when I say hype, I mean Jon
Actually, I wasn’t offended 🙂 It was a tounge-in-cheek reply. I guess I failed to get that across. However, I really appreciate your kind words 🙂
D 🙂
PS- After viewing that Showtime documentary, I can honestly say that Jon is a very smart businessman.
someday Jon need to make a new studio album but he will detect that is not possible without his second half, because phil x is just a cover musician. This is just the same thing with KISS. We got to see more or less unknown musicians in borrowed plumes, where payd from their bosses, in fact we loose more and more our eastwhile rockstars which we idolize and they try to be more and more coverbands. They milk the cows till they come home. That seems to be a modern times thing.
Not got the big deal about Bon Jovi; one great song: Runaway and a handful of good songs (Living on a Prayer, Bad Medicine, Shot thru the heart, Lay your hands on me- and Wanted-basically metal lite with everything else hes done being watered down pablum puke. Jon’s always been greedy, google when he tried to keep all of the publishing rights for Skid Row until they made a huge stink about it.