During a recent interview on Motorcycle Mayhem Radio, Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo discussed not being chosen for Bon Jovi over Richie Sambora.
Sabo On Bon Jovi’s Decision To Hire Sambora
Sabo recalled Jon Bon Jovi telling him about his decision to bring in Sambora, saying, “Jon [Bon Jovi] was like, ‘I think I’m gonna have this guy Richie come in and be the…'” When the host said “It’s amazing how it comes together,” Richie responded, “Yeah and he was like, ‘You okay?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah. I’m fine.'”
He explained that he already knew and admired Richie Sambora, who had been playing shows in the area. Sabo looked up to him as a musician, praising his skills, voice, and stage presence.
Why Sabo Never Regretted Not Joining Bon Jovi
“He just became a wonderful friend as well, but it made so much sense. If Jon were Robert Plant, Richie was Jimmy Page. If Jon were Steven Tyler, Richie was Joe Perry. I wasn’t that guy. I wasn’t built to be that guy with him,” Sabo added.
Then, the host interrupted and shared, “God had a different plan for you.” Sabo replied, “Yeah and I knew that. I used to get the question a lot. ‘Man, are you are you bummed out that you got kicked out of Bon Jovi?’ I go, ‘No.’ First of all, it wasn’t even Bon Jovi. It was just Jon Bovi Jovi. And secondly, no I wasn’t meant to be. I go, ‘I’m exactly where I’m supposed to.'”
Sabo and Bon Jovi grew up near each other in New Jersey and met when Sabo was 11. As Sabo previously revealed, they had made a childhood pact to help each other succeed in music. Bon Jovi, who learned guitar first, introduced Sabo to his teacher and later connected him with manager Doc McGee after getting signed.
