Jon Bon Jovi shares latest regrets about Sambora exit, says he’s still ‘heartbroken’
- Updated: Sep. 23, 2025, 12:13 p.m.
- Published: Sep. 23, 2025, 11:10 a.m.
By
* Murjani Rawls | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com (https://www.nj.com/staff/murjani-rawls/)
Jon Bon Jovi (https://www.nj.com/ocean/2025/08/jon-bon-jovis-charity-has-5-months-to-persuade-nj-officials-to-keep-pop-up-restaurant-open-amid-frigid-temperatures.html) expressed regret and heartbreak about Richie Sambora (https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2014/06/richiesamborabonjovi1.html) ’s decision to leave the band.
The singer appeared on the latest episode of the Dumb Blonde podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jon-bon-jovi-resilience-family-and-rock-n-roll/id1465273008?i=1000727871345) and discussed his long journey through the music industry with host Bunnie Xo.
During that discussion, Bon Jovi, 63, spoke about Sambora’s departure from Bon Jovi during their 2013 World Tour, as he wanted to give his family more attention (https://www.axs.com/jon-bon-jovi-reveals-why-richie-sambora-left-the-band-watch-108341) , specifically his daughter, Ava.
“My heartbreak with him is the way he walked out on us, compounded by the fact that it took him years to come back in the room just to have a meal with Tico [Torres] and David [ Bryan] and I and say, ‘I’m sorry,’” the singer said. “It’s unfortunate. It’s heartbreaking... but if what he wanted was to be just Richie Sambora, not a member of Bon Jovi, do it right? I always encourage all of my guys, because my attitude was, ‘Bring the information back that you learn outside. It’ll only help us.’”
Sambora did come back and play with the band during their 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
“So for whatever reason, he walked out, and then that was that,” said Bon Jovi. “But I can’t defend or accuse in any ... and it’s just not worth it anymore. After so many years, I just ... if you can’t figure [it out] or get it together, then it’s not on us, right? I love the man, heartbroken that he walked out on us.”
No matter how the guitarist’s exit went down, Bon Jovi expressed admiration for Sambora.
“The great thing that I have said about him throughout our lives was you would be lucky to call him your friend, and I mean that - talented beyond, beyond as a guitar player, as a singer, as a collaborator, wonderful, right-hand man, awesome,” he stated. “Couldn’t ask for more.”
Sambora, 66, has kept the door open for a possible return after being replaced by session guitarist Phil X as a full-time member. It’s a stance the guitarist has held since 2014. During an interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh8t00ED7CA) with Howie Mandel in 2024, the guitarist stated that he would be open to returning to Bon Jovi.
In the Hulu docuseries “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” released in April 2024, Sambora explicitly discussed his decision to leave Bon Jovi.
“I don’t regret leaving the situation, but I regret how I did it, so I want to apologize fully right now to the fans, especially, and also to the guys because my feet and my spirit were just not letting me walk out the door,” the guitarist stated.
- We won’t tour anymore due to music industry ‘thievery,’ ‘90s rock icons say (https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2025/09/we-wont-tour-anymore-due-to-music-industry-thievery-90s-rock-icons-say.html)
- Beloved rock band honors victims after brutal stabbing outside their concert left 1 dead (https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2025/09/beloved-rock-band-honors-victims-after-brutal-stabbing-outside-their-concert-that-left-1-dead.html)
- We inspired you, now help us out, says influential punk band peeved over lack of gigs. (https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2025/09/we-inspired-you-now-help-us-out-influential-punk-band-peeved-over-lack-of-gigs.html)
Food and Culture Reporter
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement (https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/user-agreement.html) and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. (https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/privacy-policy.html)
Controversy Hook:
Jon Bon Jovi’s choice to prioritize family over the band’s legacy sparked debate about the ethics of artistic decisions. Should a musician’s personal life override their professional commitments? Some argue that Sambora’s departure was a necessary step for the band’s future, while others see it as a betrayal of the group’s history.
Thought-Provoking Question:
Is it ever justified for a musician to leave a band when they feel their personal well-being is at stake, even if it means sacrificing their career? What does it mean when a band’s legacy is tied to a member’s departure?
Retention Hook:
The emotional toll of Sambora’s exit highlights the fragile balance between artistry and personal sacrifice. As the band reflects on its past, the question remains: Will the music world ever fully reconcile the pain of a member’s departure?
