Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora posted on social media following Jon Bon Jovi’s recent comments about the possibility of him rejoining the band for their upcoming tour, posted on X.
Sambora’s post came after Bon Jovi was asked about whether the guitarist would return to the band. Bon Jovi’s response drew attention online from fans concerned about the guitarist’s future involvement with the group.
“Thank you all for listening.. ya know every time I write, record, or play live..It’s for my fans. It wouldn’t be no fun without you all..Sincere gratitude.. RS,” Sambora wrote.
In his recent comments, Bon Jovi addressed the question directly. “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 frontman said.
The post and Bon Jovi’s comments came as fans reacted to what they saw in an interview about Sambora’s potential return to the band.
Sambora left Bon Jovi on April 2, 2013, departing mid-tour before a show in Calgary, after a 30-year run with the band. He attributed his abrupt exit to wanting to spend more time with his then-15-year-old daughter, Ava, whom he fathered with actress and ex-wife Heather Locklear. The breaking point came during the recording of 2013’s What About Now, when Jon Bon Jovi and producer John Shanks had already written much of the material, leaving Sambora feeling like his role had changed from creative partner to supporting player.
Bon Jovi continued touring with former Triumph guitarist Phil X filling in for Sambora, and X was promoted to a full-time member in 2016. Sambora played with Bon Jovi one other time at their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018, where the band performed “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “It’s My Life,” “When We Were Us” and “Livin’ on a Prayer”. In a 2024 documentary, Sambora apologized for the way he left the band, expressing regret for his actions.
Since leaving Bon Jovi, Sambora has focused on solo work. He released I Pray in April 2024, followed by “Livin’ Alone” on May 3, “Songs That Wrote My Life” on May 10, and “Believe (In Miracles)” on May 17. On July 11, 2025, Sambora released a preview of a new single, “Born to Rock,” on his 66th birthday.
Bon Jovi’s summer 2026 tour began on July 7 with shows at Madison Square Garden, marking their first live performances in four years and their first concerts since singer Jon Bon Jovi’s well-publicized vocal cord issues. According to reports, Sambora will not rejoin Bon Jovi on the tour despite mended ties with the frontman.
