The iconic singer of his self-titled band, Jon Bon Jovi, revealed his feelings about the band’s former guitarist Richie Sambora who recently turned 61 years old.

Richie Sambora had been the lead guitarist of Bon Jovi for 30 years until his departure from the band in 2013. Richie later revealed the reason for leaving Bon Jovi was to focus more on his family. After his departure, Sambora only joined the band for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction in 2018. He was also the co-writer of many Bon Jovi classics, including ‘Livin’ on a Prayer‘ and ‘It’s My Life.’

Recently on Instagram, the famous rock and roll photographer Ross Halfin posted a photo of Richie Sambora to celebrate his 61st birthday. On the caption of the post, he stated:

“Let’s all wish a very Happy Birthday today to Mr. Richie Sambora.“

During a previous conversation for Pollstar, the iconic Bon Jovi frontman Jon Bon Jovi revealed that he would prefer to still play alongside with Richie and talked about his feelings after his departure:

“We got it. 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.”

Furthermore, Jon mentioned how significant Richie was to the band, however, they weren’t dependent on the guitarist like other bands:

“The name of the band is Bon Jovi, it’s not anything else. This isn’t a band that is dependent on the guitar player like Van Halen or U2 or something. It was about the songs and it was about me.”
Additionally, he commented on the reason why Sambora left Bon Jovi which was related to their excessive touring back then:
“I know even more now, that I have even less desire to spend a year at a time on the road. Touring has always been my second love, writing, and recording being first. Touring to support the record was always in the back seat to writing and recording.
Of course, we made our living and our legacy and reputation on being a live band but, as I’ve gotten older and there have been other things to do in our lives, it’s taken a back seat. So I’m not as much of a journeyman as some of my peers or even my heroes. I don’t desire to be on the road for a year at a time. It’s not what fuels me any longer.”

See the photo of Richie Sambora that was posted by Ross Halfin on Instagram below.

Click here to read the rest of the conversation with Jon Bon Jovi.