THIS Is Why Richie Sambora Left Bon Jovi: The True Story

[@reymondagpaoa6570]

Richie is the firehouse of the Band. Since Richie left, Bon Jovi has never been the same again.

[@AndrewLoukidis-jr2bp]

Ritchie's vocals were a big part of their sound.

[@mattgordon1977]

Severely underrated!!! Glad you pointed that out!!

[@gatt2b]

Absolutely

[@petermontgomery8707]

(Better than Jon’s)🤫

[@cynthiasmith4130]

Richie made the band with his great guitar!!!! What a musician!!! Love the band.. One of the best bands in the 80's!!! ❤❤❤❤.....

[@JohnSr24207]

All of them made the band Sambora could barely play Mick used to teach him how to play

[@sharondowney1725]

He has an amazing vocals and Richie is a great musician. His solo work is amazing. Things come to a head no one can say when it will happen. Dont think it would be a good idea he goes bk to Bon Jovi If for a last goodbye to His Fans .

[@curtisboswell2619]

If you listen to Richie's solo efforts, you realize just how much Richie brought to the table, as a member of Bon Jovi. Richie's creativity and versatility are a credit to any band he's a part of.

[@johnmorganjr769]

I always considered R. Sambora the 'anchor man'. Really strong presence. 🇺🇸 💯 👍

[@donnamurray2537]

Me too. Need an anchor on a boat. ❤

[@shaneilogo2100]

THESE DAYS is a seriously overlooked album. Personally, I think it's the band's best.

[@Lauren_22613]

I love that album!! This ain’t a love song is one of my fav Jovi songs ever. Also, these days and something for the pain are awesome too.

[@gatt2b]

Fantastic album it’s like from the beginning first album it’s like they knew what we were going through every album mark a special time in my life the timing was perfect up until bounce after that they lost me the albums after bounce maybe one song would catch my attention. But These Days is a masterpiece no doubt.

[@unclebozo9845]

Completely! Lie to Me is my favorite Jovi ballad and the title track is one of my favorite Jovi songs overall!

[@margaretajuricic4348]

I agree😊

[@VampireJack10]

Yup.

[@ConnieBenedict-uv5sh]

So very TRUE.. Bon Jovi is just not the same without Richie. Together Richie and Jon are magic, each are good solo, however together they're heaven!! Hope they pay together again some day in the near future!!

[@sunnystormy4973]

definetly ... ! unfortunetly sambora said : no

[@7Earthsky]

In any great band, when the lead guitarist goes, the band is never the same...It's never always about the front man.

[@work8046]

Especially when he's a co-writer and singer

[@tonato17]

@@work8046 especially when he is richie sambora, more talented than the main singer imo

[@CarylKoch]

Same thing happened with REO Speedwagon, when their lead guitarist + songwriter + sometime vocalist left.

[@IvanaSeveckova]

Je to o všech každý přináší svůj díl proto byli geniální Sambora chybí No ale stejně uběhlo moc Času už to nespravi

[@lukeconverse6632]

The original band is one of the greatest in rock n roll history, especially there first 4 albums

[@frankhinterstocker7265]

I say Fahrenheit to These Days were kiler

[@lukeconverse6632]

@@frankhinterstocker7265 good call

[@FrancisCordieri]

​​@@frankhinterstocker7265 completly, these days is when they really mature there knowledge about music, it was the pic, didn't sell as much as the others before but musicly is almost perfect.

[@gatt2b]

The first 6 albums really were totally awesome. I was lucky enough to see them 3 times the 2nd, 3rd and 4th albums best concert I’ve ever seen the energy in the building would make your hair on your neck rise. The excitement was amazing the show hadn’t even started yet.

[@VampireJack10]

@@frankhinterstocker7265 Yup, that's the sweet spot.

[@Beaches314]

I knew it had to be something like that. Richie’s voice is a main part of Bon Jovi’s sound.

[@hawtmess66]

While im so disappointed Richie is gone, at least we have the awesome, beautiful catalog of music he has left behind. To be honest, while i love Bon Jovi, i pretty much only listen to the songs made up to 2013 when he quit. They were a super duo who fed off each other. Neither is the same on their own. I miss him❤

[@Lauren_22613]

Feel the same…❤

[@sunnystormy4973]

exactly ... ! 🎤🎧🎶🎸

[@christianpoint0888]

Bummer he’s gone but What nobody talks about is how PhilX is killing it!

[@brendahightower1636]

I cannot believe that Jon doesn't try to make it right after reading these comments! You are the man, Richie! I love your new songs!

[@Will-v7r8g]

Addiction is very hard to overcome and makes you do things you know are wrong. As a ex-addict myself (35) Year's clean I can say that I am extremely lucky my family didn't quit on me, I quit on them and made it hard for them to love me. Now day's I've atoned for my addiction. You go Richie, I hope for you your sober and it comes out for you.

[@daveredfern8258]

Im on Ritchie's side here, You crossed the line john....!!!!!

[@sunnystormy4973]

jon *

[@johnsargeant8358]

Totally agree, without the mega sambora creating those mahoosive technical riffs... there'd be no BJ.

[@debraconner2493]

Good for Richie for making those tough decisions. Jon never let up with writing, recording & touring these guys never got a break. Lots of respect Richie SAMBORA ❤

[@work8046]

@TenikiaTiripoli-ef5ou Pass the lsd

[@denisecastleberry5724]

@TenikiaTiripoli-ef5ou what are you even talking about? You make absolutely no sense. None of your posts have ever made sense. It’s always about you; you remind me of Jon

[@work8046]

@@denisecastleberry5724 ha ha !

[@denisecastleberry5724]

@@work8046 what are you laughing about

[@work8046]

@@denisecastleberry5724 What you said ! I'm laughing with not at.

[@chriswilson1383]

Love Richie's guitar work & amazing vocals!

[@robphegan90]

I believe Richie was sick of living in the shadow of John for all those years. For being such an essential part of the band with no real input on its direction. Ritchie was good friends with Doc McGee, and Doc gave Ritchie a voice, that he lost once John took over management. Then once the stuff with Shanks went down, he was like I’m done. See ya.

[@work8046]

You sir are on the money, time with his daughter, what PR crock.

[@denisecastleberry5724]

@@work8046 Jon probably told him to say that and not to say anything negative about him. Wouldn’t put anything past him. I just can’t believe Richie hasn’t said anything before now

[@work8046]

@@denisecastleberry5724 He will have come to a cash deal to keep his mouth shut.

[@billygreenville59]

Richie is an angry, sarcastic drunk. Therein lies probably the main problem.

[@jasonl1942]

And all of that is at the total choice of Jon. Jon is the most responsible for his bands demise.

[@jamesgreszczuk1670]

I've never knew how Ritchie Sambor left until now but it's never been the same without him in BON JOVI!

[@work8046]

If you're talking about this video-you still don't

[@ivanahavlova1777]

Hello, you also need to tell why Richie had problems with addictive painkillers. He broke his arm in three places and had a tour ahead of him. (the cleaning lady put an object in his way, he walked home in the dark and tripped and there was a mess) he played the whole tour on pills and that's why he had problems.

[@BalkanDaughter]

Exactly, well the boss wasn't worried about Sambora's arm but about how much money the tour brings to him

[@denisecastleberry5724]

And Jon will never tell that part of the story.

[@work8046]

I broke my arm in 2 places, I'm never going to those 2 places again.

[@imarriedabrkfsttaco3737]

Def Leppard's 1983 release Pyromania was a smash hit! They were on top of the world. Then Drummer Rick Allen lost his arm in a car accident. Rather than go on without him,and at the risk of fading into obscurity after many years of hard work achieving massive success,the band waited 4 years (an eternity in the music biz) for Rick to heal and to develop a new technique and innovative style of playing his drums. Their follow-up album, Hysteria in 1987 was an instant success,eventually reaching #1 on the Billboard 200 and U.K. album charts. point being,the band put their love and loyalty of a brother ahead of themselves and their ambitions,and It paid off in astronomical fashion. Hindsight being 20/20. Can't help but wonder,if his Bon Jovi bandmates chose to pull back a bit and support Richie through his tough times,after 30 years in the band,and at that point in their careers where they'd pretty much done it all,and then some may have made for a stronger,tighter,much more cohesive unit in the studio and on the road,while maintaining the core integrity of the band. Phil X is incredible! A cool AF,hilarious,multi-faceted monster musician who can play,sing and perform with,and/or better than the best of them IMO. Richie Sambora's indispensable contribution to the Bon Jovi sound and live performance will never be eclipsed.

[@work8046]

I don't think his band mates were the problem, I think you need to look at the ringmaster

[@debraconner2493]

@@imarriedabrkfsttaco3737 have you ever noticed that it took 4 people to replace that one multitalented artist Richie SAMBORA.

[@smulismuli7976]

Jon's ego rides over everything, while he doesn't realise that he's nothing without Richie...the music is just shit without RS

[@tonato17]

EXACTLY THIS. The bandis called after his name. He plays it ego free but he seems so full of ego. Richie is in a different league imo. I also think richie is more talented, but because he doesn't have such an ego, he is the guitarist of the band and not main figure.

[@hsevay]

I have been wondering why RS left the band just like that ... There must have been a very serious reason beyond RS wanting to spend more time with his daughter. Sure family matters a lot, bu it seems there was something else to RS's leaving the band. JBJ did something similar to late Alec John Such ... He called him over to his house and told him he was no longer in the band! If I remember right, JBJ was alleging that AJS was playing wrong notes or something like that. Plus, what bothered me about JBJ was that he wanted to be an actor at some point in time and he was not happy with his manager or something. He is not the greatest singer! Never been! JBJ was good as a whole band with RS, AJS, and DB! Last I watched that JBJ says he's still waiting for a call from RS to return to the band! Once you treat such a great guitar player, writer and singer as an accessory, he should never come back! For what? Moreover, RS is hell of singer, ... much much better than JBJ ever was!!! JBJ's ego needed taming. It's too late now. I'm happy RS is happy.

[@mikepalmer1971]

I think Jon Bon Jovi is one of the most overrated “rock” personality ever.

[@sharonbradshaw4589]

@@smulismuli7976 I agree 100%

[@sunnystormy4973]

both their egos ... !

[@jonmacist]

Richie had great solo records and is also a good solo artist and sgould have just been a solo artist, see him live as he headlines and is good on his own.

[@vickithomas179]

We I know I always understood and was so happy that everything is great for you and your family. Love you Richie!!!❤❤❤

[@MadameX71]

It's crazy to think some people feel Richie was the band.... he WAS an intregal part of the band that became unbalanced once he left it. Great respect for the band for marching on and not letting it destroy everything. Respect to Richie for taking care of his family business and addiction issues... sad situation but wishing continued blessings for all.

[@juneequita2291]

I hear already the song of Sambora it's nice Amazing the song Sambora is a professional guitarist

[@philipwurm5121]

So glad Such was there for the induction!!!!!! R.I.P. Alec!

[@ellenbillings5998]

Richie did the right thing

[@tonato17]

absolutely! The guy has some balls. fuck Jon if you wanna treat me like that, there you have it, I'm not scared to leave the band I made

[@judyseager4450]

He made the band 🎉❤keep safe ka.pai ❤️ 🙏

[@NaingAung-kl6bf]

I don't think so. After leaving the band, you could see how his guitarist life was so unstable.

[@judyseager4450]

I.heard you did the right thing from bon Jovi. But was that death 💀 🤔 was real life OK keep safe ka.pai bless the lord ☘️ 🙏

[@GeoZeppelin1979]

Richie sombrero is one underrated guitar player

[@LexySixx]

Sambora?

[@The77SpaceMan]

@@LexySixx Look up the BB King concert where he invited Richie on stage to play with him, the way BB said Richie's name sounded like he said "Ricky Sombrero".

[@LexySixx]

@@The77SpaceMan oh okay thank you!!

[@Michael-F4ul5kzbuck]

LOL Richie Sombrero...

[@work8046]

For me he is melodically perfect, those riffs MADE the music.

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

I get it and I see both sides. I did the current incarnation but it’s not Bon Jovi without Richie

[@jomesias]

I will never forget his solo on “Always”! Top notch, it’s enthralling!

[@Lauren_22613]

Always is my favorite Bon Jovi song of all time 🥲🥲

[@dlvox5222]

I literally sat on side stage when they performed a show in SD. Sat next to Mark McGrath and his GF. Shook Richie’s hand. Much smaller and thinner than Inimagined. Great show

[@shannon3n8]

I've been a fan since 1984. The day after Richie walked out right before they took the stage, my heart broke. Jon's mouth and attempts to shift the focus from Jon's daughter's recent OD to Heather Locklear and that old 'substance abuse' cliche really pissed me off. This proved to me it really was Bon Jovi, Inc. all along. 'The Brotherhood' my ASS. After personally experiencing Bon Jovi live in concert for 103 shows, I am disgusted with myself for not realizing what I was supporting with my hard-earned money for tickets, flights, accommodations, rental cars, fan club memberships and private exclusive trips and meet-n-greets, charity auctions, and on and on - that Bon Jovi was, and still is, a privately held corporation. I wouldn't trade my Jovi memories or the lifetime friends (and 1 sister-like) for any amount of money. There won't be another Bon Jovi, even if Rich comes back. That ship done sailed. Jon should be ashamed, but his LSD narcissism burnt that section of his brain. From here on out, all Bon Jovi mysic since Richie's departure will be performed by a group of musicians known as "A-hole and the Payroll."

[@deejay7060]

All bands, once they get signed to a record label, are corporations. It’s not just Bon Jovi. And when bands reach the level of success that BJ did, they have a staff of employees. Lawyers, managers, road crew, administrative staff, some type of office/warehouse for their gear. Also payroll. I just watched an interview with Pearl Jam, where they talked about doing tours just to keep their staff paid, and the mortgage on their HQ building.

[@shannon3n8]

@@deejay7060 Jon told the final original guys (Rich, David, Alec and Tico) that the record label - Polydor at the time - signed HIM and ONLY him, that the contract is between HIM and the label, and that the members of 'the band' are contracted with him and NOT the label. This revelation was brought to light after Jon started shopping for a new label (ehem, bigger cut) when Polygram absorbed Polydor and he was in negotiations with Island Records (before Island became Island Def Jam). JBJ had never pulled the I card - it was WE, US, the Brotherhood - before then. Shortly thereafter, JBJ Inc. took over management from McGee Entertainment (Doc was in legal hot water thanks to his shady dealings and using the equipment of the bands he repped at the time as drug pack mules, but I digress...) more money incoming from Island but no increase to 'the band'. He became a tyrant. Don't take a stranger on the interwebs' word for it even though I was around and was aware of the unease and discontent in the Fab Five. No one threatened to quit - because no one dared to stand up to the tiny tyrant. The band's 'break' when JBJ made the Young Guns II soundtrack and Destination Anywhere was his attempts to 'allow' his guys to breathe, stretch their wings, try other things (David with Broadway music, Tico with sculpturing and painting, Alec with his love of horses and motorcycles, and Rich with making his own music and writing for other acts and genres). I know many people who have been contractors working for the musical side of Bon Jovi, and many became employees of JBJ Inc, complete with 401K and health insurance plans. The Soul Kitchens and the Arena Football team/staff and underwriting for Habitat for Humanity also has employees - all off the sweat from the backs of the Fab Five funneled through the lead singer. And that's great! He can do whatever he wants with his money. But it wasn't all him. It took all five. I find it terribly sad though, that Rich has to garner his 'increase in pay' via songwriting credits/royalties that he shares with JBJ, and tolerated JBJ for as long as he could knowing he had changed into the megalomanic everyone is afraid to publicly acknowledge. Knowing there was not going to be an increase in dividends, Jon brings in another songwriter and musician and shoves it in Richie's face? I am pissed FOR Rich, and we all know how hot Sambora got (to the point he walked away). I'm not naive, and I know how the sausage is made - seen it, done it first hand. I'm just really, truly upset (triggered? ugh) that something so earthy and sincere and energetic and caring and mesmerizing and eexplosive as the whole Bon Jovi experience was, that it became so ugly and jaded and me Me ME-centric turned out to have been an unbearable lie-filled shit show.

[@denisecastleberry5724]

@@shannon3n8my word Jon is even worse than I thought. He screwed them over so bad. I can’t believe Dave, Tico and Hugh are still with him. I guess the dollar signs are better than friendship

[@Waynzo-i3w]

Interesting, I never heard about all the other issues, it was always stated that Richie wanted to spend more time with his daughter but clearly there is much more to it that was brewing over time. I guess I always thought there were possible issues yeas before as Bon Jovi has always been Jon Bon Jovi, his record deal and the band were just employees, so eventually something has to give right? But Bon Jovi as a band has not been the same since Richie left, I personally stopped buying their records, going to shows, even listening to their music full stop. It was over a long time ago.

[@TheMryunanto]

Actually, guitarist can be replace, but not the vocalist

[@work8046]

"clearly", you know it. Take the cash and feed the JBJ is squeaky clean of guilt story.

[@work8046]

@@TheMryunanto You do know the guitarist has to write the guitar parts, Phil X plays Richies riffs and Richies solos

[@rubenterlouw7746]

Richie had Jon's back for 30 years..Jon should have given him the space to get his shit together. W.A.N should have bin a JBJ solo album...a couple of shows here and then..so Sambora could spent time with Eva and get his energy back to write ,record and tour again. Jon is a workaholic and is always busy being relevant in the music scene...in this case he shouldn't have.

[@RockTV11]

Definitely not cool to have John Shanks play some of Richie's guitar parts on the 'What About Now' album. I get it, he wasn't showing up and they were wanting to get the record finished. But still that's a low blow. Things were obviously not good at that stage. Shanks and Sambora had worked well together it seems on the 3 previous records 'Have a nice day', 'Lost Highway' & 'The Circle' but things had obviously come to a head by 2013 and the making of that record. Too much touring & Richie had had enough. But very awesome to see them reunite again at the R&R Hall of Fame. It's not quite the same without the original band members there. Richie such a huge part of their sound.

[@CapoKabar]

The show must go on. Richie knew what Jon was gonna do. He forced Jon’s hand.

[@BalkanDaughter]

Only two things are "legendary" about the Bon Jovi band: 1.the music they made in period 1984-2007 2. Sambora & Bon Jovi writing, playing & singing together When Sambora stepped out, he was practically pushed to step out, from Bon Jovi remained just a shadow of the band they used to be, little sparkle dust and nothing more. So, at the end, dear @BonJovi , it wasn't about the music, it wasn't about the friendship, about the solidarity, about the band mates. It was from the first day, it still is, and it will be always about you and about the money. End of story 🙄

[@CapoKabar]

@@BalkanDaughter very true

[@scottishgiggirl]

He was drunk and unreliable

[@BalkanDaughter]

@@scottishgiggirl yes, he was that is the fact, but I am astonished how most of you consider only the effect but not the cause. Do you know how Richie started using painkillers?

[@jeb865]

Bro you totally skipped over These Days when you talked albums. That’s a classic! Hahaha great video!!

[@wheres_bears1378]

Shanks, that’s why. Richie was right it started to sound less and less like bon jovi after shanks got involved

[@filipemarchioropfutzenreut2033]

Sambora rules!

[@escargotomy]

Nothing but mad respect for Phil X, he was asked to take this high profile gig and by all accounts has exceeded all expectations with humility for the situation. This other Shanks dude can't help but come off as a gold-bricker and an interloper. What Jon's motivations to cut Richie out are only known to him. Not a BJ super fan, they always seemed to be girl's band to me, so as Boromir say, "I care not".

[@ellenbillings5998]

Richie made the band

[@work8046]

Agreed, christ those 80's albums were driven by Richie riffs, what a sound.

[@CynthiaSenn-es1ru]

I love richie as much as i love jon smtimes you gotta do whats best for you an best for the band they both amazing superstar i admire them all they had an incrediable life an gave back in millions of way toast to you all

[@richardmclay5679]

between Richie, leaving and John’s politics, I tuned out a long time ago !

[@underhillwest]

Jon and the band should have taken some time off to take care of their buddy. What About Now is not as important as the gap that Richie left in the band.

[@sunnystormy4973]

-definetly ... !- " what about now "

[@umyes5246]

Never surprised me that Ritchie left. John is VERY focused.

[@debraconner2493]

@@umyes5246 Jon is a control freak

[@mikevoiceoversmith6333]

My son and I were there the night Richie didn’t show up, Calgary, April 2, 2013. It was a very odd feeling when the preshow announcement came on telling the crowd he was ‘unable to perform’ that night. You knew something wasn’t right. Bobby Bandiera and Jon worked their asses off to cover guitar parts.

[@work8046]

Maybe he should have worked his ass off not to row with his guitarist and you'd have got your show.

[@harryh6807]

Got track to acknowledge the fact that Jon always had a backup plan, so when Richie bailed, someone could step in.

[@FrancisCordieri]

Dude, these days is a awesome album, and they dont even talk about the album on the new documentary... Underrated album...

[@RockTV11]

Keep the Faith, These Days, Crush, Bounce, Have a Nice day, Lost Highway... All good records. After that though, not quite as good imo. Band just getting older, plus after 'The Circle' they lost Richie and the sound he brings to the band. Band slowing down as they get older, that is expected.

[@theresabengston1824]

Yes, he did. I've been a fan from day one.

[@CatherineSTodd]

If someone does not show up to do the work, even if it's due to drug or alcohol problems, what can a band do? "The show must go on" and the record must be produced. Alcohol was the same reason of Sambora's divorce and it was even stated in the divorce proceedings that Richie had been "driving while intoxicated with his young daughter in the car." Sometimes rehab doesn't work; it takes fierce and constant determination and I hope Richie finds that in himself one day. The whole group did great work for 30 years. Wowee-Zowee. Good job, guys!

[@RFM-CDA]

They broke big when I was a senior in HS, and super popular in those days. The last 20 years the direction their music has gone is just not for me. Less and less edgy guitar parts. Maybe Richie feels the same way, who knows. Richie has said over and over he needed to spend more time with his daughter as being the reason he left, fair enough. But I think its more than that. His substance abuse issues probably play a part, along with the changing music. I haven't listened to any of their albums in those 20 years I mentioned. The bits and pieces I have heard clips of are just not that great. I feel if JBJ wasn't JBJ, none of the recent albums would have been made and sold to many people. God bless those early songs from the 1st 4 albums, brings back a lot of happy memories when I hear them on the radio. And they were so good live mid to late 80's and early 90's!

[@BalkanDaughter]

That's the same way I feel about them. The proof of Jon's greed for money is docuseries. As I have been a fan for 35 years, I certainly deserve to watch that project free of charge. So the way he wants to say thank you is a pity and shameful.

[@aceeg69]

Shanks broke up the band

[@BalkanDaughter]

Shark(s) better fits.😡

[@alexanderlane6007]

Yup any True Bonjovi fan knows shanks started the rot

[@patricial641]

Shanks wanted to be in the band and he figured out how to do it - by driving a wedge between Jon and Richie. It’s too bad after all those years Jon had no loyalty to Richie or realization what he brought to the band and the recordings. Haven’t seen them since and never will if Richie isn’t on the stage. With Jon’s voice shot he would do well to reconsider bring back Richie.

[@ericgilbert8725]

Jon did by allowing it and not putting his friendship with Richie first. ​@@BalkanDaughter

[@jonbovij.4502]

@@patricial641 Richie himself is fucked up, too. His voice is even done.

[@cherin5892]

Jon says in interview over interview he has no regrets yet I bet 10 to 1 he's lying. I bet his biggest was not waiting for Richie to finish that album. Richie was smart enough had enough pride at that point to leave. Richie's career as a musician hasn't taken off since he left as well. I think Richie is ok with that

[@CapoKabar]

Nothing left to prove so he dont care. Like Barry Gibb told his 2 brothers before Maurice got sick: “Guys, maybe we acheived what we were looking for and it’s time to stop?” Well, Mo died a week later and Barry is left with this pain that they never ended it…no closure. Richie left so Jon would smell the fkn roses for once. Jon dont know what he has in family and life, he really doesnt. Hes got to get the me out of the way

[@work8046]

He'd done his best work. BJ management ordered ticket sales outlets to tell fans who called in for refunds "we have a new guitarist who is as good if not better than Richie Sambora", some fan you are if you accepted that as credible.

[@alanyau3270]

Good to know I am not the only guy that don’t like Shanks

[@BalkanDaughter]

Ha,ha, most of us definitely can't stand that 🐀

[@franduncan1081]

He put his child 1st, I totally respect him 4 that.

[@rottingcorpse6002]

When you don't show up for studio time, someone will always be willing to do your job.

[@donnamurray2537]

Was an avid BonJovi fan until Sambora left. The sound and vibe was not there anymore. It’s like Jagger without Richards. No thank you. Not saying I didn’t love John. They just didn’t have it without Richie. Just my opinion.

[@maryannekoebler6977]

AGREED!

[@hsevay]

Perfectly put! Jagger without Richards. Plus Sambora sings---much better than Jon, BTW! I just listened to an interview with Sambora. He was saying he is taking singing lessons! Such a down-to-earth guy!

[@jameslipke354]

Here, here! ❤ ~APRIL LIPKE

[@MrChrisBrady]

Agree 100. That 2020 album was trash.

[@BayviewProperties-x4j]

When you don't show up....well life goes on

[@work8046]

If most your fans don't know shit about what goes into the music, sure, plenty of refunds were given on that first tour without him.

[@vikmewasingh9402]

Fair Play to sambora

[@Guitar387]

Apologise to the fans? None of them feel terrible about the fans. They are all about the money; the band Bon Jovi Dont gives a toss about the real fans by charging exorbitant prices for platinum-tier packages and seats that all but the incredibly wealthy can afford; if you are a fan that can not afford best tickets they put you in the seats behind the stage and the band Dont even have the decorum to turn around to face fans in cheap seats , you're watching their backs all night.

[@work8046]

:D Someone else has noticed this. I said the same mate, pretty sickening and to hear "he loves us !". A band also feeds off its fans so it comes back to bite him as guys in suits stand at the front and politely applaud the songs, not that he cares anymore.

[@davedropd1]

This gave me more info on Sambora leaving than anything else... But I will tell you this.... Listen to any of Sambora's solo stuff, he doesn't need bon jovi his stuff is superior.... I really have not listened any record past slippery when wet. .

[@unclebozo9845]

At least listen to Keep the Faith and These Days, the band's two records from the 90s. Personally I consider that period their musical and creative peak.

[@KimberlyCulver-c6x]

Well Richie had his personal reasons and I respect and accept them. Should he ever want to return that would have to be his personal choice and I bet the band would accept him. I’m my opinion they could adopt a plan of let the past be in the past, we love you now let’s look forward. Bon Jovi completes Richie and Richie completes Bon Jovi. They are a family. But each person must do what they feel they need. I love them as artists no matter what.

[@carminelombardi9575]

What Bon Jovi did was wrong.

[@purplishin]

Got no animosity towards Shanks on a personal level, but I think, in some degree, he's sort of ruined the band. Shanks to Bon Jovi seems like... Ono Yoko to The Beatles. "John" loved and loves that person but a bad influence on the band.

[@sunnystormy4973]

-jon- *

[@purplishin]

@@sunnystormy4973 So you don't know the spelling of Jon's original name...

[@anghol145]

Agree

[@karatekid1975]

I saw them on 2/13 in NY. What an amazing show! But I heard the news of Richie leaving. I was devastated! John Shanks and Phil X are good musicians, but they are NOT Bon Jovi. The last album I bought, was What About Now. Haven't bought one since. Then Jon's voice went bad. Also a bad thing. I still listen to previous records, but they just don't sound the same now.

[@ellenbillings5998]

Which you did the right thing.His family comes first

[@krazy4baja]

He had his reasons and the band knows why he left and they understood

[@marcusharrigan6879]

When you don't show up for work, you're going to get replaced.

[@jasonl1942]

Clearly you don't know what its like to be pushed out of your own position.

[@mattdylan664]

Richie was great but Jon's voice is shot and they are all old men now, there is no going back, thats not how reality works, just enjoy what we have and be at peace with it

[@work8046]

yup

[@TheDude-vx6wn]

I had no idea he left! 😮 I'm w Sambora, that was messed up.

[@sharonbradshaw4589]

Bottom line BON JOVI is not BON JOVI without RITCHIE SAMBORA no matter which way you want to try and cut it. His vocals are amazing (Ritchie) and he was and always will be what made Bon Jovi a fantastic band. Ritchie like Jon was the backbone to this group and I believe Jon maybe got a little full of it and Ritchie walked. Give the magnificent man a Bells!!

[@hummarstraful]

Way to go, John.

[@Kongte-a]

Without Richie BJ band is nothing, its not just the music its the legacy that we like BJ.

[@danielgriffith3633]

I can't believe they lasted this long..."maybe" an album's worth of hits ?

[@MusiCatsKing]

What a terrible thing to do to your star guitarist. I'm surprised he toured with them at all after that. He was right to walk away after being treated with such contempt. The only regret should be that he didn't walk away before the tour started. I've always thought Bon Jovi was never truly Bon Jovi without him. That's the equivalent of replacing Brian May and expecting his band to still be Queen and still have the Queen sound. Unique musicians really are irreplaceable.

[@debraconner2493]

@@MusiCatsKing and it’s taken 4 people to replace that multi talented musician.

[@philiptownsend8348]

I honestly can't listen to the band without Richie

[@brendareynolds7249]

That really was unfair to Richie, I'm surprised Jon did that!

[@work8046]

I'm not

[@kevinpaige5746]

Dude, if you don't show up and deliver, the recording process moves on without you. Talk to Ace Frehley of KISS. At least Ace admitted that he was off, drunk somewhere.

[@work8046]

why do most people quit their jobs when they have nothing else to go to ?

[@jasonl1942]

Who would bother to show up when your input is being replaced by another guitarist? Would you still go to your day job and give 100% if your boss is pushing you out and replacing you with another? You'd be lying through your teeth if you said yes.

[@tomaszkowalski4064]

I really didn't want to believe it, but it appears Shanks did play a role in Richie"s quitting.

[@diapricea4888]

Sambora had an addiction problem

[@debraconner2493]

@@diapricea4888 yes and that is not an easy thing to live with & stress made it worse. Jon is a control freak who cares only about the money he can make. See what his obsession caused (Jon) he lost that voice of his & still refusing to stop 🛑 greed pure & simple.

[@Malcolm-p4r]

I was absolutely flabbergasted to see that Richie was SUPPORTING Bad Company on there tour a few years ago. I couldn't get my ticket quick enough. It was surprising that the arena was only three quarters full😂😂😂

[@petefaders]

Sambora didn't play on their first hit, it was a session player. It was always the welll connected Bon Jovi's families thing. He ended up a bigger part of it than planned, because he was so good.

[@Mark-oy9lw]

I always thought he had the better voice of the two. When they played wanted dead or alive on mtv I think. Richie really nailed it

[@joeblow871]

If you heard John sing live you would leave too!

[@auramunoz7560]

Richie sambora entregó el sello musical a la banda que los llevó al éxito

[@WWHD223]

There’s no link in the description to their hall of fame performance and ceremony.

[@jameslipke354]

Bon Jovi without Richie is no different than if Led Zeppelin was without Jimmy Page... It...just...does...not...sound... right...at...all... Tico said it better than anyone, Richie was the "soul" of Bon Jovi.❤ ~APRIL LIPKE

[@doctordetroit4339]

I've been following this band since their beginning. Most do not realize Bon Jovi is not a band. It is Jon's band....everyone else is a hired gun. I only fault Ritchie for how he left the fans hanging in a lurch. That had to do with addition, as Jon's wife was strict about that on tour, which caused problems. Glad to see Ritchie doing well.

[@iluvpassionset]

There is no way JBJ didn’t know Richie would be devastated by the inferior John Schmuck playing his guitar parts. Bon Jovi is not Bon Jovi without THE king of Swing & we all know it

[@kevinkaatz883]

Richie had to be a father to Ava, and if anyone takes issue with that……I’m gonna take issue with them

[@aceeg69]

Too bad the original band didn’t record one last album

[@Lauren_22613]

I miss Richie. I was a HUGE Bon Jovi fan since I was 4 years old, since Richie left, it’s not the same and won’t ever be the same. Not really into their music anymore, I don’t like Shanks and I miss the good ol days of Bon Jovi 😞

[@boiboi-xz6lh]

The albums from 2013 onwards have 2/3 good songs tops, some songs don't even cut it to be bon jovi albums which are flopping in most charts, why can't they just face it, sack shanks and get richie back so us fans get the bon jovi spirit back.

[@PritishA82]

Peace and Lots of Love from Mumbai India ❤💯✌️✨

[@MidMo4020]

He did the right thing. Have you heard his solo stuff?🤘🏻🔥 There’s no real Bon Jovi without Richie! My first concert New Jersey tour 🤘🏻🔥🇺🇸

[@MissDoreen]

I just wanted to update this. Richie Samora did not leave the band. He just took a hiatus. He’s in the band still.😊

[@work8046]

Members Jon Bon Jovi David Bryan Tico Torres Phil X Hugh McDonald Everett Bradley[1] John Shanks[1] Past members Alec John Such Dave Sabo Richie Sambora

[@robl1613]

What has bon Jovi done since 2013? Not much...not anything relevant....tells you something

[@tammyf.7864]

Sounds a bit like the Neal Schon/Jonathan Cain situation and how they treated Steve Perry.

[@JohnProph]

you mean after Steve pushed like half the other guys out of the band? hard to feel sorry for Steve

[@tammyf.7864]

@@JohnProph Yes, Steve Perry did get ambitious and tried to go for a different sound on the "Raised on Radio" album and in doing so, Ross Valory and Steve Smith were kicked out of the band. But the guys got back together, buried the hatchet, and created "Trial by Fire." Then the drama ensued, resulting in Steve Perry being kicked out of the band. Karma? Maybe. But think of the authentic Journey music we would have had if Perry had been in the band this whole time. (But then again, who would want to be around all the Schon/Cain drama going on?)

[@JohnProph]

Karma all the way. One of the best examples ever. Dont forget Gregg Rolie...probably to some extent another victim of Steves ego or whatever

[@tammyf.7864]

@@JohnProph I honestly think that Gregg Rolie and the drummer, Ainsley Dunbar, were just unhappy with the change in sound that the band was making due to the addition of Steve Perry. But with the original, trippy mood/rock they were doing, they didn't have much of a commercial future. And without commercial success, a band doesn't last very long.

[@JohnProph]

@@tammyf.7864 chalk it up any way u want to...one guy came in, lots of other guys left. Karma comes back around eventually

[@topangachronic9463]

Publishing is what it boils down to,

[@lemtoalemwalling8773]

Bon Jovi band is No Bon Jovi without Ritchie Sampora.

[@Ive-i1g]

No offense, John S.never gained my trust. Without Richie it's a different band.