Richie Sambora opened up about his abrupt departure from Bon Jovi in the docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story and apologized for the circumstances that led to the split. Sambora, according to the docuseries, joined the band in 1983 as their lead guitarist and assisted in writing the songs “Come Back” and “Burning for Love”, which would appear on the band’s debut album. He remained with the band as their popularity skyrocketed, but shocked the rest of Bon Jovi and fans when he abruptly left the group in 2013.
Sambora’s departure came just hours before the band was to perform in Calgary for their 2013 tour, with musician Phil X filling in the remaining tour dates in his place. Sambora cited personal reasons for his departure at the time but gave few details. However, during his appearance on the docuseries, Sambora elaborated on his reasoning, highlighting several factors that played into his decision to depart the band as quickly as he did.
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Richie Sambora Quit Bon Jovi Due To Several Personal Factors
Sambora’s departure is highlighted in episode 3 “Brothers in Arms”
Sambora’s departure from Bon Jovi, according to Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, was based on his desire to spend more time with his daughter Ava as well as concerns about his lifestyle that his family expressed. Sambora stated how it was difficult to balance his responsibilities between the band and his family, who expressed concern for his well-being, as the band’s fame kept him away. Sambora ultimately decided to listen to those concerns, leaving the band in a way he likened to fleeing the mob, but expressing his regret about his handling of the situation in the docuseries.
Sambora Apologizes For How He Handled His Bon Jovi Exit In Thank You, Goodnight
Sambora apologized for his departure in episode 4 “Legendary”
Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story not only showcased Sambora’s apology for his actions but also an interview showing Jon Bon Jovi’s thoughts on the situation. Sambora apologized to both fans and his former bandmates for the negative consequences of his departure. He stated in the series “I don’t regret leaving the situation, but I regret how I did it,” elaborating on how his desire to focus on his family, specifically his daughter, led to his decision, which shocked the band both at the time and years later.
Bon Jovi discussed how his feelings of shock and anger abetted to determination that night to complete the show, which the band did along with eighty other dates on the tour. Despite the band’s continued popularity, the two men, according to the docuseries, never discussed Sambora’s departure or the possibility of his return years later. Despite this, Bon Jovi stated how he still has hope that Sambora could come back, having never fully emotionally accepted his resignation.
