If a change has shocked us in recent years when it comes to rock formations, it was the sudden departure of Richie Sambora from Bon Jovi. The guitarist left the band for personal reasons, but without warning, leaving the band and fans confused. It’s been 11 years since that, but the echoes of his departure continue to resonate.
The band’s singer, Jon Bon Jovi, has now spoken about the decision to leave Sambora in a new interview with Record Collector, revealing that the band was shocked after learning of his decision: “It was heartbreaking when Richie left and for him to do it that way. We were shocked. I miss him personally and creatively, in the studio and as an integral part of the band on stage.“.
“But if you don’t show up to work, your boss is going to tell you: ‘What the hell? Look for help.’ And if you don’t want to look for help…’ It’s been 11 years. David Bryan and Tico Torres have seen “Richie once and I’ve seen him twice. It’s not like we haven’t tried.”
Phil X, the best replacement
Instantly, of course, Bon Jovi knew who to count on. Phil X He was the replacement – first provisional and then permanent – of Sambora in the band. John now states that he is more than happy with X’s work, especially on his latest album, ‘Forever’.
“Phil has found his voice in ‘Forever‘“, offered the singer. “That doesn’t happen overnight. Trying to impersonate Richie would have been a curse. Phil’s ability to fit in and stand out while doing it is a gift. I’ll never hang out with Phil but, boy, he filled a big fucking void.” .
Last March, Jon opened the door to a return for Sambora, although he considered it unlikely: “Hey, the door would always be open. That’s not it. But 11 years ago, for reasons that certainly had nothing to do with the band, he left. There was no animosity, there’s nothing but love. But we had a show that night, and then we had one the next night, and for 11 years, I’ve been making records and doing shows. So everyone knows where the bus stops… But there’s nothing but love. So, Richie went off on his own and raised his daughter. So if he ever wanted to show up and play, he knows the songs. There’s absolutely no animosity, I can promise you.”
