Early this month shockwaves were felt from New Jersey around the world when Bon Jovi announced that guitarist Richie Sambora wouldn’t be part of the band’s upcoming tour.
Soon after the rock icons announced the move, Sambora turned to his Twitter account:
“Thank you everyone for your concern. I'm well, but had to stay in LA to take care of a personal matter. Love you all and see you very soon.”
Bon Jovi leadman Jon Bon Jovi echoed the “personal reasons” excuse for Sambora’s absence during a recent visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Show that is set to air today.
“All I can say, honest to God, is that it’s a personal matter,” Bon Jovi told DeGeneres.
“We like each other and I think that’s really the key,” Bon Jovi said about how him, Sambora and the rest of the band sticking together for 30 years.
The band touring North America without Sambora led to speculation about a possible spat between Sambora and Bon Jovi leading to the temporary split. Those rumors have been squashed but the band continues to tour the West Coast with Phil X instead of Sambora on guitar.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Bon Jovi insists, that despite his absense, Sambora is still in the band.
“We love him very much and he’s absolutely still a member of the band.”
“He’s still your guitar player?” asked DeGeneres.
“Absolutely,” Bon Jovi replied.
Bon Jovi then performed with his band, minus Sambora, on the show.
For his part, Sambora has remained mostly quiet this month only occasionally tweeting including posting last week: “Hey everybody... Just want you all to know I'm all good... Thanks for all the positive vibes....”
Since forming in Sayreville, N.J. in 1983 Bon Jovi has released 12 albums and dozens of singles including hits like the singalong "Livin' on a Prayer," "Always," "You Give Love a Bad Name," "It's My Life" and "Who Says You Can't Go Home."
