Jon Bon Jovi has addressed the long-running questions about a Richie Sambora reunion, and his answer leaves little room for interpretation. In a new interview, the Bon Jovi frontman was asked directly whether his former bandmate would appear during the band’s upcoming tour.
The question put to him was simple: “Wow, that’s powerful to hear that. You know, everybody wants to know if Richie Sambora will make an appearance during the tour. Will it be this tour? Will it be the next one?”
His response was equally direct. “You know, unfortunately, and with all the love in my heart, he walked away from this and touring 13 years ago.”
“I’ve seen him, obviously, we’ve spoken, but no, unfortunately, he left the band many, many years ago.”
The statement closes the door on a full touring reunion for now, even as the two musicians remain in contact and Sambora’s place in the band’s history continues to draw fan interest.
Sambora’s exit dates back more than a decade. He left Bon Jovi during the band’s 2013 Because We Can world tour, stepping away before a scheduled concert in Calgary. He has since described the decision as personal, centered on being present for his daughter Ava during a difficult period that included his divorce from Heather Locklear.
In a later reflection on that time, the guitarist was candid about the pressure he was under. “It wasn’t a popular decision by any means, obviously, but there was really almost no choice about it.”
“I realized, Ava needed me to be around at that point in time. Family had to come first, and that’s what happened.”
Sambora has said he could not have completed the remainder of that 2013 tour, describing the circumstances as too much to carry at the time. He has also said he does not regret leaving, though he regrets how the departure unfolded.
