As Bon Jovi celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024, frontman Jon Bon Jovi is taking time to reflect on the band’s incredible journey—one filled with chart-topping hits, unforgettable tours, and some personal challenges along the way. One of the most pivotal moments in the band’s history was the sudden departure of longtime guitarist Richie Sambora in 2013. That moment, along with many others, is explored in the new docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, which premiered on April 26 on Hulu and Disney+.
Sambora’s exit came without warning—just hours before a scheduled show in Calgary. At the time, he cited personal reasons, including the strain that constant touring placed on his family life, particularly his relationship with his daughter. Guitarist Phil X stepped in to keep the tour going and was eventually named a permanent member in 2016. Despite years of speculation, Jon Bon Jovi recently revealed that he and Sambora are not currently in contact. Still, he emphasized there’s no ill will—and that Sambora is always welcome back if he ever wants to rejoin.
Interestingly, both Bon Jovi and Sambora appear in the new documentary, but they participated independently. According to Bon Jovi, the project was led entirely by director Gotham Chopra, with no creative input from either musician. “We haven’t spoken about it at all,” he noted, even admitting he hasn’t seen the final cut. Still, Bon Jovi stressed that there’s “nothing but love” between the two, despite the time and distance that have passed.
For his part, Sambora seems increasingly open to the idea of reuniting. While he once claimed no one had reached out to him, he’s recently hinted that conversations are finally happening. In a February interview with Absolute Radio in the UK, he said, “We’re talking about it. I don’t think there’s any reason not to at this point.” He acknowledged their shared history, pointing to the band’s impact and adding that they owe it to the fans. Sambora also expressed interest in writing new songs with Bon Jovi again, joking, “If he doesn’t let me, he’s crazy.”
With the release of Bon Jovi’s new album Forever on June 7 and the emotionally charged docuseries now streaming, 2024 is shaping up to be a major year for the band and its fans. Whether a full reunion with Sambora will materialize remains uncertain, but both sides clearly respect what they built together. For fans who’ve followed the band for decades, the renewed dialogue and possibility of reconnection offer a hopeful and nostalgic moment in Bon Jovi’s enduring legacy.
