Jon Bon Jovi insists the ‘door would always be open’ for Richie Sambora

Sambora doesn’t feature on the band’s new record

Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi in 2018© Getty

Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi in 2018
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 15th Mar 2024

Jon Bon Jovi has insisted there is no animosity between himself and Richie Sambora and the “door would always be open” for the guitarist to perform with Bon Jovi.

Earlier today, Bon Jovi announced details of their 16th studio album ‘Forever’ and they premiered the music video for lead single ‘Legendary.’

Many fans had hoped the new material might feature the return of Richie Sambora, however ‘Forever’ is Bon Jovi’s third record to feature guitarist Phil X, who replaced Sambora after he quit in 2013.

Richie Sambora stated in interviews with Planet Rock and Absolute Radio last year that he wanted to reunite with Bon Jovi to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

In a new interview with Audacity Music to promote ‘Forever’ and the upcoming Disney + series Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, Jon Bon Jovi asked what the future is with Richie Sambora and whether they would still perform a one-off show with him.

“Hey, the door would always be open,” Jon replied. “It’s not that, but 11 years ago for reasons that were certainly nothing to do with the band, he walked out.

“There was no animosity, there was nothing but love. But we had a show that night and subsequently had one the next night, and for 11 years, I’ve been making records and doing shows. So everyone knows where the bus stops, you show up at work… But there’s nothing but love.

“So Richie’s gone on, on his own and he raised his daughter. So if he wanted to show up and play sometime (with Bon Jovi), he knows the songs. No animosity, I could promise you that.”

Bon Jovi 'Forever' album cover

Bon Jovi ‘Forever’

In a separate interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Jon said he didn’t speak to Richie about the documentary, despite the guitarist’s involvement.

“Not a word. That was (director) Gotham Chopra,” Jon explained. “This wasn’t a puff piece and this was no bulls—. 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.”

Released on Friday 7th June 2024, ‘Forever’ features 12 all-new Bon Jovi tracks, and it opens with the lead single ‘Legendary.’