Founding Bon Jovi bassist Alec John Such has died at the age of 70.
Frontman Jon Bon Jovi revealed the news via social media. “We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend Alec John Such,” read his statement. “He was an original. As a founding member of Bon Jovi, Alec was integral to the formation of the band. To be honest, we found our way to each other through him. He was a childhood friend and brought Richie [Sambora] to see us perform. Alec was always wild and full of life. Today those special memories bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. We’ll miss him dearly.”
In a separate Tweet, keyboardist David Bryan wrote of Such, “RIP my soul brother…. It was an honor and pleasure to share the stage and to share life with you…”
The Yonkers, New York-born John Such was a veteran figure in the New Jersey music scene that helped create Bon Jovi. As manager of the Hunka Bunka Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, John Such booked Jon Bon Jovi & The Wild Ones before joining the singer-songwriter’s band. He played with Bon Jovi through the group’s heyday in the 80s.
John Such departed the band in 1994, due to the increasing demand of the band’s tour schedule. He was replaced by bassist Hugh McDonald. He eventually rejoined the band for its induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
“When Jon Bon Jovi called me up and asked me to be in his band many years ago, I soon realized how serious he was and he had a vision that he wanted to bring us to,” said John Such at the Hall of Fame induction. “And I am only too happy to have been a part of that vision.”
