In the new Hulu documentary series “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” guitarist Richie Sambora made a shocking confession – he regrets the way he left the band Bon Jovi in 2013, after 30 years as their lead guitarist. In this article we talk about Richie Sambora Shocking Confession-I Regret How I Left Bon Jovi.
Sambora was an integral part of Bon Jovi’s success over the years, co-writing many of their biggest hits like “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and “Bad Medicine.” His guitar playing and vocals were a signature part of the Bon Jovi sound. So when he abruptly quit the band mid-tour in 2013 with little explanation, fans were shocked and confused.
Now, nearly 10 years later, Sambora is finally coming clean about his departure – and admitting he wishes he had handled it differently.
The Lead-Up to Sambora’s Exit
In the documentary interviews, Sambora reveals that tensions had been building in the band during the recording of their 2012 album “What About Now.” He had been dealing with deep family issues, including his daughter Ava needing him more as she grew older, and his struggles to balance that with life on the road.
Sambora says he felt creatively stifled during the “What About Now” sessions. The band brought in producer and guitarist John Shanks to help fill in some of Sambora’s parts when he was absent. This left Sambora feeling replaced and that the band could carry on without him.
Things came to a head when Sambora discovered Bon Jovi and Shanks had written the song “The Fighter” without his input. Although Shanks replicated Sambora’s guitar style, Sambora felt crushed that the band had moved on without him.
By the time Bon Jovi headed back out on tour in 2013, tensions continued to rise. Only 13 shows into the tour, Sambora abruptly left the tour – and the band – behind.
Sambora’s Regrets About His Exit
In the documentary, Sambora says he doesn’t regret leaving per se, but does deeply regret HOW he left Bon Jovi:
“I don’t regret leaving the situation, but I regret how I did it, so I want to apologize fully right now to the fans, especially, and also to the guys, because my feet and my spirit were just not letting me walk out the door.”
He realizes now that instead of just quitting mid-tour, he should have finished out the commitments and had an open conversation with the band about leaving:
“I just didn’t have enough peace of mind to understand that back then. I was thinking very emotionally, spur of the moment, and I wasn’t really thinking about the magnitude of what the band really is.”
The Effects on Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi frontman Jon Bon Jovi has admitted Sambora’s departure left a “void” that has never truly been filled.
While guitarist Phil X stepped in to replace Sambora, Jon says their legendary guitar harmonies and stage chemistry has been missing since Richie left:
“The true magic of our live performance was when we sang together, and when we sang together, that was our unique spot. It was as identifiable as any great combination that made one and one three, and I don’t think that’s been replaced.”
Where Things Stand Now
These days, Bon Jovi says there is no lingering animosity between him and Sambora. In fact, when Sambora requested to view early cuts of the documentary, Jon invited him over to watch several episodes at his home.
And while Sambora remains firm in his choice to leave, it seems both he and Jon have made peace regarding how Sambora’s exit went down.
Sambora says:
“I’m proud of the legacy that I left there, that I was a big part of building that. So yeah, I have no regrets as far as that goes, but emotionally I just really wish I would’ve handled it differently.”
And Jon acknowledges Richie’s immense contributions to Bon Jovi’s success over three decades:
“I wouldn’t be here without him. We wouldn’t be here without each other.”
So while it’s unlikely Sambora will ever officially rejoin as lead guitarist, he and Jon Bon Jovi seem to have put the past behind them and remain appreciative of each other’s talents that took Bon Jovi to superstardom. I sincerely hope you find this “Richie Sambora Shocking Confession-I Regret How I Left Bon Jovi?” article helpful.
