During a recent sit-down with ET’s Nischelle Turner at the iHeart Studios in Los Angeles, Jon Bon Jovi opened up about Richie Sambora’s departure from Bon Jovi, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the guitarist’s exit from the band in 2013.
Dispelling rumors of discord, Bon Jovi clarified, “There was never a fight. It was never about money; it was never about a girlfriend. He had issues… and he literally didn’t show up. We were playing for 20,000 people, and there’s a black hole on the stage.”
Jon empathized with Sambora’s struggles, acknowledging the weight of substance abuse, anxieties, single parenting, and personal loss that plagued the guitarist. Despite the challenges, Bon Jovi grappled with the decision of carrying on without Sambora to honor the livelihoods of the band and crew, as well as the millions of fans eagerly awaiting their performances.
Revealing a pivotal moment in their reconciliation, Bon Jovi recounted watching the new limited series, ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,’ with Sambora, where the guitarist apologized for his departure. This act of contrition served as a catalyst for healing their fractured relationship over time, with Jon recognizing that Richie’s choices stemmed from personal struggles rather than animosity.
Meanwhile, Sambora reflected on his departure in the documentary trailer, expressing regret for the manner of his exit while emphasizing his continued fondness for the band. Responding to Richie’s sentiments, Bon Jovi affirmed the honesty in Sambora’s portrayal, emphasizing that the documentary reflects the journey of growth and resilience shared by the band members.
Despite their differences, Bon Jovi underscored the deep bond shared between him and Sambora, noting that while they may not have spoken during filming, the documentary serves as a testament to their enduring camaraderie. ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’ is slated to premiere on April 26 on Hulu, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the band’s legendary journey.
