JON BON JOVI DISCUSSES HIS CURRENT RELATIONSHIP WITH FORMER GUITARIST RICHIE SAMBORA, BAND’S NEW ALBUM, “FOREVER” DUE JUNE 7TH, FIRST SINGLE “LEGENDARY” OUT NOW
Ultimate Classic Rock‘s Bryan Rolli reports:
Jon Bon Jovi has not been in contact with former bandmate and guitarist Richie Sambora, despite both musicians participating in the upcoming Bon Jovi docuseries Thank You Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story.
The four-part series will debut on April 26th on Hulu and Disney+ internationally. It features various members from Bon Jovi’s past and present, documenting their rise to stardom and precarious future.
When asked if he talked to Sambora about what was going to be in the docuseries, Bon Jovi tells UCR, “Not a word. That was [director] Gotham Chopra. This wasn’t a puff piece and this was no bullshit. This is not us behind the scenes pulling strings. Oh, no, no, no. They interviewed Richie in London. I wasn’t there. I had nothing to do with it. No, I still haven’t seen the [finished] product…”
While Bon Jovi says there is no bad blood, there’s been no communication between them lately. “We’re not in contact because he’s not in the organization any longer,” the singer explains. “Doesn’t mean that there’s not love forever, but it’s 11 years ago that he just didn’t show up anymore. And there were emotional issues that he was dealing with as a single dad, and there were substance abuse issues that, you know … Phil X had to show up one time, and then Phil X had to show up another time. And then, again, there’s a show that night. What are we gonna do?”
Read more at Ultimate Classic Rock.
Bon Jovi‘s new album, Forever, will be released on June 7th, and is available for pre-order. The band released a video for the first single, Legendary, which can be viewed below.
Really starting to wonder if Richie will ever play with them again. I’ve heard Richie saying it should happen through the press, but never Jon. I think Phil is a phenomenal player and singer, and I really can’t blame Jon for moving forward with a capable replacement, because he really had no choice.
T,
I agree Phil X is great and very talented.
Wow Jon sounds different. I miss the Bon Jovi from the Slippery When Wet and New Jersey days.
RPS,
So do I.
Most bands from the ’70s/’80s don’t live up to their past, especially Bon Jovi! And what’s with the 2 new guys? Are they really neccessary? Legendary? Bon Jovi are, but this song? Is not!
Jon basically destroyed his vocal chords and had surgery to rebuild his voice box. He spent close to 2 years on rehab. He’s never going to sound like he did. Trying to keep an open mind that he worked his back side off to have any kind of voice…..but IMO “legendary” is not good.
His voice is shot – and has been for awhile.
As for Richie coming back – would be a temporary thing if it happened.
Sambora had a nice run, made a name for himself. But his problems started when he was still relatively young. The job isn’t just playing and performing. Showing up, dressed in the proper uniform, prepared, energetic, carrying your tools, no drama……..the boss appreciates and expects at least that.
I heard Jon say recently that Richie could stop by and join them, no problem. I don’t think a “pop by” is what Richie has in mind (i’m just speculating) meaning that Richie is expecting more of a triumphant return with a world tour (and not sharing duties with phil or another guitarist). Jon will control if, when and how this happens, and I think he’s quite happy with the current band.