In a recent interview at SXSW, Jon Bon Jovi addressed Richie Sambora’s comments about a possible reunion with the band.
During a discussion with director Gotham Chopra and Bon Jovi members for the upcoming docuseries ‘Thank you, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,’ Sambora rejoining the band came up. The frontman made it clear that there’s no bad blood between them, saying:
“It’s not that we’re not discussing anything. Just to be clear, there was never any animosity. He had some issues that were multi-tiered, but it’s been 11 years since he quit, and the door is always open. I mean, these are songs that we created together for a long period of time. So there’s no animosity whatsoever.”
Sambora’s Departure And No Regrets
Sambora left Bon Jovi back in 2013. He cited personal reasons just hours before a performance. Phil X stepped in for Sambora for the rest of the tour and became an official member in 2016. In the trailer for ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,’ Sambora talked about his departure:
“I don’t regret leaving, but I regret how I did it.”
Sambora’s Words On Reunion Possibilities
Last year, in a chat with People, the guitarist discussed having conversations with Jon about reuniting:
“So yeah, it definitely could happen. It’s just a question of when everybody’s ready to go do it. It will be a big, massive kind of undertaking.”
Sambora also mentioned when they might reunite:
“I’m not sure. It’s up to peoples; it’s got to be right. That’s all. It’s time to do it, though. This is our 40th anniversary, but I feel younger than ever. I’m having a ball.”
The band’s upcoming documentary will premiere on April 26 on Hulu and Disney+. It will feature interviews with band members and others close to Bon Jovi. Jon Bon Jovi revealed that he and Sambora didn’t speak while making the docuseries but insisted there was no bad feeling between them. The series will also cover the band’s latest tours.
Watch the rest of the interview below.
