A compelling new docuseries is poised to debut on Hulu soon, delving deep into the musical journey and dynamics of the iconic band Bon Jovi. Entitled “Thank You Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” this documentary seeks to capture the essence of the band and their evolution. It boasts exclusive interviews with band members, including the legendary frontman Jon Bon Jovi, and fellow musician Richie Sambora, the former guitarist of the band.
However, despite their joint participation in the documentary, it’s come to light that Bon Jovi and Sambora have not been in communication for quite some time. In a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Bon Jovi shed some light on the reason behind this lack of contact.
When asked if he had discussed the docuseries with Sambora, Bon Jovi candidly replied, “Not a word.” He further elaborated that the responsibility of reaching out to those involved in the project, including Sambora, fell on the documentary’s director, Gotham Chopra. Bon Jovi himself had no part in the interviews or production process. In fact, he hadn’t even seen the completed documentary, leaving him unaware of his former bandmate’s perspective.
Sambora’s departure from Bon Jovi in 2013 came without much explanation. Publicly, he cited “personal issues” as the reason for his exit. Unfortunately, this unplanned departure occurred just hours before the band’s scheduled performance in Calgary. Phil X, a talented musician, stepped in at the last minute to replace him for the rest of the tour, eventually becoming an official member of the band.
But what caused the division between Bon Jovi and Sambora? Is there lingering animosity from Bon Jovi regarding Sambora’s sudden departure? The answer appears to be quite different from what one might expect. According to Bon Jovi, their lack of communication stems simply from Sambora no longer being part of the band’s organization. He clarified, “Doesn’t mean that there’s not love forever, but it’s 11 years ago that he just didn’t show up anymore.”
Bon Jovi went on to offer insight into Sambora’s decision to leave the band. He explained that Sambora was grappling with emotional challenges as a single parent, compounded by struggles related to substance abuse. These difficulties likely influenced the guitarist’s decision to prioritize his personal well-being and step away from the demanding lifestyle of the band.
