Richie Sambora rejoining Bon Jovi would undoubtedly thrill the band’s fans. Even if it does happen, it’s not happening any time soon.
Sambora said in a new interview, “Nah! No, not even close. Nobody asked me yet — but I could do it tomorrow if they asked me.”
While Sambora said in November 2021 that his role in Bon Jovi was “to shut the f— up,” he certainly has been more vocal lately about rejoining the band. In November 2022, Sambora told U.K. outlet Metro that it was a possibility a reunion could take place at the 2023 installment of Glastonbury.
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In February 2023, Sambora said when asked about rejoining the band in light of his performance with Bon Jovi following their 2018 Rock Hall induction, “We’re talking about it. I don’t think there’s any reason not to at this point.”
He added, “Jon [Bon Jovi] was having a hard time with his voice a little bit there and he needed to take a little bit of a breather.” Whether Sambora meant to shade JBJ with that comment is up for interpretation. However, he added, “I don’t know when Jon’s going to get his voice together and (when the Bon Jovi reunion is) going to happen, but we have to get out there and do it for the fans really. I feel a second obligation.”
Jon Bon Jovi has addressed Sambora’s exit on multiple occasions in the press. In December 2019, JBJ told The Asbury Park Press, “I wish he was here, too, because we were a formidable duo. Our voices were the magic and he’s a great guy and all that kind of stuff but his choices have led him astray.” In October 2020, he told Rock Antenne, “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wish that Richie had his life together and was still in the band.”
Sambora, of course, left Bon Jovi suddenly in 2013, citing wanting to spend more time with his daughter, Ava, who is now 25.