... for Richie Sambora, the guitar player extraordinaire, Jon Bon Jovi's right hand man.
The King of Swing!
Richard Stephen Sambora (born July 11, 1959) has been lead guitar player for Bon Jovi for 25 years and has released two acclaimed solo albums Stranger in this Town and Undiscovered Soul. He often takes over on vocals from Jon during Bon Jovi's gigs, most notably for the songs, I'll Be There For You, Homebound Train and These Days. There is no doubt in the world that Richie is an extremely talented man who can play guitar and sing extremely well. He is loved by Bon Jovi fans all over the world and his signature guitar solos during songs like Dry County and Wanted Dead or Alive are simply fantastic!
Richie & Jon - brothers forever!
However, Richie is human, just like the rest of us. He has battled with alcoholism for a number of years - the sudden death of his father and his split with Heather Locklear in 2007 proved too much for Richie (considering these life events happened less than 3 weeks apart). Richie entered a rehab facility to try and overcome his addiction in mid 2007. His fans have always been his support group and have always stood right behind Richie. So it was with a deep sense of sadness that we, the Jovi family, heard that Richie re-entered a rehab facility on the 28th April 2011. Unfortunately for fans, Richie was unable to play at numerous gigs around America which led to Bon Jovi taking on Phil X, a guitarist from the band Triumph and Powder, temporarily during Richie's recovery. Phil has now completed his touring with Bon Jovi as the US gigs are now finished and Bon Jovi move on across the water to Europe. This has fuelled rumours that Richie may possibly be healthy and fit enough to return and play during these gigs beginning in June.
Richie doing what he does best...
I remember seeing Richie sing and play at Twickenham Stadium in June 2008 and he was simply outstanding. I had never heard Richie sing solo prior to this and he blew me away with his version of I'll Be There For You. He took to the stage like a natural pro, he handled the crowd with ease and he melted the hearts of over 43,000 fans who were in attendance.
My picture from the main stand of Richie in London 2008
I have to admit, I adore Richie and I wish him every health and happiness and cannot wait to see him back touring again. I was shocked and truly gutted when I heard he had returned to rehab. At the same time though, I am really happy that he realises he has a problem and more importantly, he is willing to fix it. I love seeing people's pictures from gigs and seeing Jon and Richie fooling about, and I do miss that the most. Seeing Jon's face light up when playing alongside his right hand man makes the relationship, the brotherhood, the camaraderie, seem more real between them. The chemistry between Jon and Richie onstage is electric and that has been missing with Richie's absence. This will be a welcome feature again when Richie returns.
(Jon singing I'll Be There for You on May 6th 2011 - possibly the most heartbreaking version ever!)
Just remember Richie, every single fan and supporter of yours is behind you, and just so you know.....
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