In a recent conversation 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.
Reflecting on the guitarist’s exit from the band in 2013, Jon clarified the circumstances:
“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 acknowledged the challenges Sambora was facing, recognizing:
“Substance abuse or anxieties or single parenting, all those things weighed on him, losing his dad. These were all very hard things. But in fairness, why would I take away the livelihoods of not only the band, but the 120 guys in the crew? Or the millions of people that bought a ticket? What am I going to do? Shut it down because you don’t want to go to rehab?”
Furthermore, Jon disclosed that he and Sambora watched the premiere of the new limited series, ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’ together. Seeing Sambora apologize on screen for his departure helped mend their relationship over time. Jon understands that Richie’s decisions were not fueled by animosity.