Jon Bon Jovi Reflects on Relationship with Richie Sambora: Love Endures Despite Distance

Jon Bon Jovi Confirms He Hasnt Seen Richie Sambora in 11 Years

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Jon Bon Jovi recently opened up about his relationship with former bandmate Richie Sambora. According to Bon Jovi, they are no longer in touch because Sambora is no longer part of the band. Despite this, Bon Jovi emphasized that there is still love between them. He mentioned that Sambora stopped showing up 11 years ago.

After 30 years as lead guitarist, Sambora left the band in 2013 during the Because We Can world tour. A source confirmed this to us at the time, stating, "There were a lot of well-documented problems, so this was the best decision for now." Phil X (real name Theofilos Xenidis) was chosen as Sambora's replacement.

Bon Jovi also mentioned that there were emotional issues Sambora was dealing with as a single dad, along with substance abuse problems. He explained, "Phil X had to step in one time, and then Phil X had to step in another time. And then, once again, there's a show that night. What are we gonna do?"

Bon Jovi and Sambora, 64, will both be featured in the new four-part Hulu docuseries Thank You Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, premiering on April 26. Bon Jovi revealed that he has not spoken to Sambora about the docuseries.

Bon Jovi explained, "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."

Jon Bon Jovi Confirms He Hasnt Seen Richie Sambora in 11 Years

Mike Coppola/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Bon Jovi talked about Sambora leaving the band in a 2016 interview with Good Morning America. He mentioned that people often ask what happened. It all started in Calgary when their latest album was topping the charts and they were playing to sold-out crowds every night. However, on the 21st show, Richie didn't show up.

Bon Jovi revealed that they hadn't seen Richie in person since then. He emphasized that there was no argument, no financial issues - nothing that caused a rift in their relationship. According to Bon Jovi, it was a smooth transition and they continued on without Richie.

When Bon Jovi was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, Sambora joined the band for a performance.

Bon Jovi announced on Thursday that he will be releasing a new album titled Forever on June 7. Along with the album announcement, he also released the lead single "Legendary," which mentions a "brown-eyed girl."

"What matters most to me now is simply spending time with my friends, writing the songs that speak to me, and living life on my own terms," shared Bon Jovi. "And my brown-eyed girl, a tribute to my wife, Dorothea Hurley, whom I married in 1989."

The couple has four children together: daughter Stephanie in May 1993, son Jesse in February 1995, son Jake in May 2002, and son Romeo in March 2004.

Bon Jovi praised his wife for being there consistently during the process. He expressed, "And the brown-eyed girl, she believes in me, legendary." This is who I am at 62 years old.

Editor's P/S:

Jon Bon Jovi's recent revelation about his estrangement from former bandmate Richie Sambora paints a bittersweet picture of a once-close bond that has been irrevocably broken. Bon Jovi's account of Sambora's absence and the band's seamless transition without him highlights the sometimes harsh realities of the music industry, where personal struggles and professional obligations can collide. Despite their separation, Bon Jovi's acknowledgment of the love they still share underscores the enduring power of their friendship and the bittersweet nature of their parting.

Sambora's personal issues, including substance abuse and the challenges of single fatherhood, played a significant role in his departure from Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi's empathy towards his former bandmate reveals a deep understanding of the complexities of life and the challenges it can pose to even the most enduring relationships. The fact that they have not spoken in years, yet Bon Jovi still holds Sambora in high regard, speaks volumes about the resilience of their bond and the enduring nature of their shared history. with fans and the music community.