Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora still 'not in contact' 11 years after band split

17 March 2024 , 19:09

1309     0

The rockers are still not on speaking terms

A Bon Jovi reunion is off the cards as Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are still not on speaking terms 11 years after their split.

Despite a new four-part docuseries about the band set to be released in April, communication between the bandmates remains stalled. The duo’s relationship has been infamously rocky since now-64-year-old lead guitarist Richie suddenly left the group after 30 years in April 2013, in the midst of the band’s world tour and mere hours before an upcoming show.

Jon, 62, has spoken out about the relationship with his former bandmate and childhood best friend. The rocker has now revealed that not even the upcoming rockumentary, ‘Thank You Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’, could bring the duo back together - despite both of them appearing in the series.

READ MORE: Disney Plus' Bon Jovi docuseries trailer unveiled as £1.99 a month deal ends soon

Richie suddenly left the band after 30 years of success (Getty Images)

Speaking to Ultimate Classic Rock, the Living on a Prayer singer explained he is no longer in contact with Richie. He said: “We’re not in contact because he’s not in the organisation any longer.”

Taylor Swift seen looking cosy with Matty Healy's mum Denise Welch months ago

Jon went on to add that he “had nothing to do with” Richie’s involvement in the series, which is being released on the band’s 40th anniversary. “They interviewed Richie in London. I wasn't there,” he explained, adding: “I had nothing to do with it.”

Richie and Jon were childhood friends before they became bandmates (Getty Images)

Jon said he still had “love” for his former bandmate. Despite the duo not being on talking terms, he explained that it “doesn’t mean that there’s not love forever”. Previously, in a 2016 interview with People, he described Richie as a “wonderful friend” and a “wonderful collaborator”, going on to add: “I’m never going to bad mouth the guy.”

Richie previously opened up about his decision to leave the band in a 2020 interview, claiming he had “no choice”. Speaking to People, he said: “It wasn't a popular decision by any means, obviously, but there was really almost no choice about it.”

The guitarist - who shares his daughter Ava with ex-wife and actress Heather Locklear - explained his decision to leave was centred around his family. He said: “Ava needed me to be around at that point in time. Family had to come first, and that's what happened.”

Connie Bowker