Richie Sambora recently addressed his controversial comments about Jon Bon Jovi’s throat issues. He offered an explanation and apology for his remarks shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The guitarist explained the personal circumstances that led to his negative comments. He also clarified his current relationship with his former bandmate.
“I have been goin through a rough patch. And was I a strange mood because of my mom. My injuries, and the frustration of getting better in Gods time not mine,” Sambora said. “But I apologized sincerely, the next day.”
He continued to address any misconceptions about his feelings toward Bon Jovi.
“And BTW. I got no malice with Jon. Just goin in/ different directions,” he added. “I wish everyone in the band and the fans what they wanna get out of it.”
Sambora had expressed regret for his throat comment in his previous apology. He called it “very uncharacteristic” and explained that he often encounters surprise from industry executives who don’t realize his vocal and production capabilities.
Richie Sambora said in his previous apology, “I reacted wrongly, and never should have said the throat comment. I sincerely apologize and it’s very uncharacteristic of who I am. Deeply sorry. And as far as the people still don’t know I can sing, produce, etc. comment, I really still walk into meetings, and executive’s, producers go ‘is that you singing?’…not whining or complaining. It’s just surprising and funny after my track record. I had fun chatting with my fans. It cheered me up.”
The clarification comes after Bon Jovi fans criticized Sambora on social media for his original remarks about the band’s frontman.
This latest exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the former bandmates. They have maintained a strained relationship since Sambora’s unexpected departure from Bon Jovi over a decade ago.
El País reported that Sambora left the band abruptly in 2013 via text message. He cited a personal matter that has strained their bond ever since. The guitarist’s departure came just before a major tour. This left the band scrambling to find a replacement and disappointed fans worldwide.
The relationship between the two musicians has remained fractured despite their shared history of creating some of rock’s most memorable hits together. Eddie Trunk noted that Bon Jovi has confirmed that no contact persists between them. This remains true despite both appearing separately in the 2024 docuseries “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story.”
“We’re not in contact because he’s not in the organization any longer,” Bon Jovi stated. He emphasized the finality of their professional and personal separation.
Sambora’s reference to his injuries in his recent statement also reflects the physical toll his career has taken. El País detailed that he has dealt with various health issues over the years. These included a pre-tour shower fall that broke his shoulder. He continued to push through performances despite the pain.
The guitarist’s 30-year tenure with Bon Jovi from 1983 to 2013 helped define the band’s signature sound. It contributed to their massive commercial success. This makes their current estrangement all the more notable for longtime fans who witnessed their creative partnership flourish for three decades.
