"Bon Jovi will never be the same again", those were the words of guitarist Richie Sambora when he was replaced by Phil X for the remainder of the Because We Can Tour. Such a bold statement, but true.
However, recent reports indicate that Richie Sambora is not permanently out of the band as the band's lead guitarist.
Jon and Richie was rumored to have a dispute over Jon and his bandmates suggestion that Richie go to rehab. It has been alleged that Sambora has a "substance abuse" problem. It was also indicated that they haven't reached out with each other since April. Sambora did not join the group for their last year's spring performances citing "personal reasons."
"It's disheartening that it has come to this. Richie is healthy. He is not drinking. He is sober. Indeed, he is the one who helped Jon's daughter after she was arrested in November and Jon clearly wanted his daughter to get the same help that worked for Richie," said a source to RadarOnline.
Sambora, who is currently touring Europe as a solo artist, made it clear that there are no more ill feelings between him and Bon Jovi.
"There's no bad blood with me anymore. I love Jon, and I still see the possibility of a return," Sambora tells Lust for Life magazine. "There are just a few steps I want to - need to - take."
"I wanted to make my own music and I preferred doing a few shows with my own band. I said I wanted a break," the guitarist also says.
"It's hurt me that more and more untrue things have come out in the media. I just wanted calmer waters, and just do something for myself," he says. "We had just finished with another tour... (and) I saw a year of other priorities for me."
Asked if he has any plans to return, the guitarist said:
"The Bon Jovi machine had to go on. I could choose - join or leave. That's hard when you share joys and sorrows for 30 years."
Although he did not said it directly, Richie's love for the band is undeniable.
"At the end of the day, if you're going to buy a can of Coke, you want the real thing," he said in February. "Jon (Bon Jovi) just has a different mentality. I know Mick Jagger wouldn't tour without Keith Richards and call it the Rolling Stones."
What do you think readers? Will the band be able to set their differences aside? Sound off in the comments section below!
