Blame It On The Love (unofficial Bon Jovi blog)

Baylie Brown sings Bed of Roses

2012-01-28T10:57:00.000+08:00

A country-flavoured rendition of Bed of Roses at this American Idol audition. What do you think?

Follow Richie Sambora on Twitter

2012-01-26T16:39:00.001+08:00

ok everyone- you heard it here first. Follow Richie on Twitter @TheRealSambora. Yes, he's about to start tweeting-
3 hours ago

Also, please note @TheRealSambora is THE ONLY official Richie Sambora Twitter account. #richiesamborasolorecord
3 hours ago

Welcome to the Twittersphere, Richie!

Bon Joviver - You Give Love a Bad Name

2012-01-25T22:53:00.000+08:00

A band called Miracles of Modern Science has done a short version of Bon Jovi's Bad Name in the style of Bon Iver. Check it out.

Today's moment of zen...

2012-01-20T21:16:00.002+08:00

Luke Ebbin has been awesome with the Twitter updates on the new Richie Sambora solo record (which has yet to be named)... He also posted another teaser video from the studio earlier today.

Check it out.

David Bryan interview on 93.3 WMMR

2012-01-19T22:10:00.001+08:00

Pierre from 93.3 WMMR talked to David about Memphis, his other musical projects, and working with Bon Jovi.

Listen to the interview here.

Irish Skid Row says JBJ took his name

2012-01-19T22:03:00.001+08:00

Brush Shiels, from the original Skid Row (an Irish band from the 60s/70s that Thin Lizzy's Gary Moore and Phil Lynott were in) posted a video a few days ago about how the more famous American Skid Row took his band's name.

He is calling on Jon Bon Jovi to contact him to sort out the issue.

Why Jon, and why now?

Well, Brush wants to release a new Skid Row record. As for the JBJ part it's slightly more complicated, but this is what supposedly happened:

Jon had a generous publishing deal with Skid Row in the 80s (I think this part is fairly common knowledge);
Jon apparently asked the late Gary Moore for use of the "Skid Row" name, to which Moore said he'd have to contact Brush Shiels;
Jon never contacted Brush Shiels;
Gary Moore was reportedly paid $35,000 for use of the name but apparently this never happened either.

Brush has apparently told Irish radio he is prepared to take this to court*, so it'll be interesting to see how the saga plays out.

*Thanks for the tip, Alan

Here is Brush's video...

Kenny Greco - Telling Lies + It's My Life

2012-01-17T22:00:00.000+08:00

This isn't exactly about Bon Jovi but I first met (twet?) Kenny Greco on Twitter a couple of years ago. He has the rare distinction of depriving me of sleep one weekend, because after staying up all night for a Bon Jovi live stream (From memory, it was the epic Hard Rock Calling), I then watched a live stream of one of Kenny's gigs (where he played for over three hours) and by the time he was done, it was time to see my beloved West Coast Eagles in action (roughly another three hours). So yes, very little sleep that weekend but it was worth it. :P

Anyway, this is Kenny's new single, Telling Lies. Check it out... and if you dig it, share it.

You can download Telling Lies from iTunes or get it for free from Kenny's website.

And in case you're still not sold on the Bon Jovi angle of this post, here's Kenny doing an acoustic version of It's My Life. ;)

A taste of the Richie Sambora solo record

2012-01-14T11:24:00.001+08:00

It's been a long time coming and Luke Ebbin is currently #winning at Twitter thanks to his updates about Richie's elusive third solo album. Most notably, his latest tweet which links to this video.

Hashtag #richiesamborasolorecord for tweets about the new album.

New Year Facebook message from JBJ

2012-01-11T21:02:00.000+08:00

This message from Jon Bon Jovi was posted on the band's Facebook today:

Greetings to all. Happy 2012! I hope everyone had a fine holiday and that you're all ready for what we hope will be an exciting 2012.

Since we spoke last I've been informed that over 15 million Bon Jovi followers are out there monitoring our activities. Thanks. Considering we're not actively touring and don't have a record out that is amazing. The Circle Tour was beyond our wildest dreams. 4 million of you saw the tour and made us the biggest tour on the planet in 2010 and #2 in 2011... it's only fair we let some of the other bands have some of your attention in 2012 but don't worry, we are writing up a storm and have a really good record coming together. Richie and the guys are all happy and healthy. At least that's what they tell me...

Thanks for the posts regarding my blogged demise. As I write this I am very much alive but I died online December 19th, 2011 and it was a wild 60 minutes. Fortunately my family was all together when the calls came in and we quickly dispelled the rumors. Besides all the well wishes 'dying' is soooo overrated. We all have so much to live for so make the best of each day.

In 2012, I look forward to the Soul Kitchen helping those who in these difficult financial times need help from their neighbors. Remember, a helping hand up is not a hand out. Empowering your neighbor is not entitling them. You'd be surprised how many people today are either in need or on the verge of economic assistance. WE have the power to make a difference. Find something or someone that moves you... you can make a difference and I promise it will make you and that neighbor in need feel something magical. Don't fall into the negative. Don't assume the press or those in the media know better or know more. Follow YOU. Partisanship, is just ignorance in disguise.

Ok, enough of my thoughts. It's time to go to work. I'll fill you in on any one off shows like Bamboozle in Asbury Park as the dates come together. Until then root for your favorite team, who ever that may be and look out for your favorite band, we know who that should be.
See you round... JBJ

Q&A with David Bryan

2012-01-08T22:57:00.000+08:00

Because Dave Bryan doesn't get nearly enough love, here are a few questions from his Q&A on the Durham Performing Arts Center website:

You have been with the rock group Bon Jovi for more than 25 years. What do you think is the key to the band’s continued popularity?
Writing good songs, making good records, and always giving your all at every live concert.

During all the years it took for MEMPHIS to get to Broadway. What compelled you to continue with the process?
It’s not a sprint but a marathon! Every time we did a production, we worked on the show and we learned where it was and where we had to take it. A musical is very complicated. You have to create story, songs, and dance, and they all have to work together. The fine tuning process happens in front of an audience and that takes many, many hours to get right. But it was easy to persist, because I always believed that MEMPHIS is a show that entertains and tells an important American story.

How is writing song for a rock band different than writing songs for a Broadway musical?
In a rock band, you’re just writing for the voice of the lead singer. In a musical, you have many different characters you have to make sing. Still ultimately, a good song is a good song.

You have won many honors as a rock musician, including winning a Grammy Award. How was the Tony® awards presentation different than the Grammy Awards?
The three Tony® awards I won is unbelievably special. It was a long road with MEMPHIS, but I always believed in our show. To be honored and welcomed by the Broadway community for my work feels great. And it is just the start. Joe and I have a new show in the works called Chasing The Song (about American song writers from 1962-1964). We’ll continue to create new works for a long time.

Read the full Q&A here.

JBJ on Oprah's Master Class

2012-01-06T21:11:00.000+08:00

Jon will be on Oprah's Master Class this season.

Sneak Peek: Season 2 of Oprah's Master Class

A new season of Oprah's Master Class debuts with Academy Award-winning actress Jane Fonda. Other masters profiled this season will include three additional award-winning actors Goldie Hawn, Sidney Poitier and Morgan Freeman; media mogul philanthropist Ted Turner; acclaimed musicians Reba McEntire and Bon Jovi; and professional athletes Laird Hamilton and Grant Hill.

Oprah's Master Class returns Sunday, January 8 10/9c, only on OWN!

The man who killed Jon Bon Jovi

2011-12-30T22:17:00.000+08:00

Jeff Goho from Pennsylvanian metal band Minutia has claimed responsibility for the Jon Bon Jovi death hoax earlier this month. He also says he's getting a lot of angry messages about it. Can't imagine why...

From SheKnows:

"I never thought the rumors would spread so rapidly," Goho said. "I am truly sorry for any and all damage that I may have caused Jon and his family. Furthermore, I can only hope that he continues to bring prosperity to the Philadelphia region and surrounding areas."

And from the Asbury Park Press:

“I’m in a band as well, and I was going into the recording studio, and we had talked about how the music industry just started taking a turn into crazy new worlds that no one, really, can assess,” said Goho, 30, in a telephone interview Monday. “Long story short, I was talking to my band members on their down time, and we got so worked up in the conversation, I just kind of took the liberty and started (the rumor), because I was so irritated.

“All I heard was ‘Bon Jovi this,’ ‘Bon Jovi’s starting a restaurant.’ What was the latest one? The Advil commercial (featuring Bon Jovi)? It was like, ‘Jeez, (Bon Jovi) was a household name due to the music, not the business.’ So I’m not proud of it. I’m getting a lot of backlash from it, but as stupid as it sounds, that’s how it started. I just had a blurb and went with it.”

In all honesty, Mr Goho wouldn't be the first person to feel that Bon Jovi has become more about "the business" than the music over the years but taking a crack at the Soul Kitchen -- not to mention stirring the wrath of the Jovi fandom -- was all kinds of silly. On second thoughts, maybe not, given I'm sure a lot of people who had never heard of Minutia now have. Jeff posted this on Minutia's Facebook page on Christmas day:

THIS IS A PERSONAL RESPONSE FROM JEFF GOHO ALONE - MY BAND IS NOT INVOLVED! - I'm getting a shit load of backlash from my most recent stunt. So, just to make it official, I'm sorry for the entire Bon Jovi thing. I will repeat the same exact thing that I told the Philadelphia Soul and everybody else spamming the fuck out of my email account. I am truly sorry for any and all damage that I caused Mr. Bon Jovi, his band members, and his family. And as I've told you blood-sucking press mongrels... I endorse all of his business endeavors and hope that he continues to bring prosperity to the Philadelphia region and tri-state area. And please stop sending attached hate mail to my fellow band members. They are in no way involved. I did it on my own. - Goho

Meh... This guy's not worth the fuss. ;)

APPENDIX #1: Hopefully this is the last bit of attention we give Goho on this blog, but Minutia has recorded a song/whiny rant in response to this saga called No Regrets. You can listen to it here.

Conversely, Bon Jovi's No Regrets (the Bounce outtake) can be heard here.

APPENDIX #2: Bon Jovi tour photographer David Bergman, who also took the photo proving Jon was still alive, wrote a blog about the whole death hoax incident... check it out at this link.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T12:53:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas to all Bon Jovi fans and their families and friends, wherever they may be today.

Since I showcased Jon's Star Wars Christmas song this time last year, I figured a little Richie Sambora action might be in order for Christmas 2011. Here's O Come All Ye Faithful by the King of Swing.

Have a happy festive season and please be safe. :)

JBJ Hope Concert videos

2011-12-24T20:53:00.001+08:00

Let's celebrate Christmas Eve with some videos of Jon Bon Jovi & Friends at Hope Concert V, which took place on December 19. Earlier that day, Jon had been the victim of an internet death hoax which he joked about throughout the night.

The Letter - originally by The Box Tops, also covered by Joe Cocker

(Ain't Nothin' But A) House Party - originally by J. Geils Band

Blue Christmas - popularized by Elvis Presley

"He ain't dead, he just smells that way!" - Southside Johnny

Run, Run Rudolph - popularized by Chuck Berry

Jon mimes fielding calls about his "death":

Bobby Bandiera gets a kiss from Jon as he tries to get all the musicians back on stage:

Set list was reportedly as follows (corrections welcome):

JBJ & Friends - Hope Concert V - Count Basie Theatre - Red Bank, New Jersey, USA - December 19, 2011

The Letter [The Box Tops cover] - ft Southside Johnny
(Ain't Nothin' But A) House Party [J. Geils Band cover] - ft Southside Johnny
Wanted Dead or Alive
Who Says You Can't Go Home
We Weren't Born To Follow
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - ft Southside Johnny
Blue Christmas - ft Southside Johnny, Gary "U.S." Bonds, Nicole Atkins
Run, Run Rudolph - ft Southside Johnny, Gary "U.S." Bonds, Nicole Atkins

Richie Sambora album in 2012?

2011-12-24T15:18:00.000+08:00

Looks like that long-awaited solo album might finally see the light of day, according to producer Luke Ebbin:

“Richie and I have worked on and off together for years,” explained Ebbin. “Richie came off the Bon Jovi tour energized and we got together to write a couple of songs. The results were very good, so we kept writing more and decided to go in and record them. The recordings came out great, so Richie decided why not make this a solo record? There are eight songs in the can now, including a co-write with Bernie Taupin. We’ve started round two of sessions and hope to have a full album done by early spring.”

We've been teased about this solo album for a decade or so, but is this the first time we've had a timeframe for release (albeit a very tentative one)? Either way, I'm keen to hear the results so fingers crossed!

Here are some videos of him at the Bikers Bash earlier this month (including this interview where he claims to have written 35 songs in the last couple of months):

I'll Be There For You:

Livin' on a Prayer:

Blowin' in the Wind (partial):

At the meet and greet:

He did play Fallen From Graceland but I haven't found a video of it. :(

Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey: JBJ

2011-12-20T23:33:00.000+08:00

"Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey." So says Jon Bon Jovi, and he should know, given he supposedly died December 19, 2011...

I actually completely missed all this drama as it was unfolding, but apparently this badly written fake press release was posted on Twitter and widely retweeted:

Rockstar Jon Bon Jovi (John Francis Bongiovi, Jr) was pronounced dead today after paramedics found him in a coma at his Empress Hotel, city and law enforcement of Asbury Park, NJ sources told The Times after World Christmas Tour concert on
The Bamboozle Festival,North Beach Asbury Park.

New Jersey Fire Department-First Aid Captain Douglas Gray told The Times that paramedics responded to a 911 call from the home. When they arrived, Bon Jovi was not breathing.

The paramedics performed CPR and took Bon Jovi to Jersey Shore Medical Center, Ruda said. Hundreds of reporters gathered at the hospital awaiting word on his condition. The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Bon Jovi team rushed to Bon Jovi’s bedside, where he suffered Cardiac arrest.

The detectives plan to interview relatives, friends and Bon Jovis’s doctors to try to figure out what happened. The N.J. County coroner’s office will determine a cause of death. A New Jersey Fire Department source told The Times that Bon Jovi was in full cardiac arrest when rescue units arrived.

And before long, news of Jon's "death" was trending on Twitter.

Confirming it was all a hoax, this photo was posted on Bon Jovi's Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as tour photographer David Bergman's Twitter.

(I've been known to bag Bon Jovi's use of social media in the past and will probably do so in the future, but that was a pretty cool response to the situation.)

Here's Jon joking about his demise at the Hope Concert, where he performed that very night.

I'll put more Hope Concert videos up soon but in the meantime you can check out this review from the Star-Ledger.

And according to Richie Sambora, he and the still-livin' Jon are working on the next Bon Jovi record. Richie also says he's recording his long-awaited solo album simultaneously. Because, you know, they'll sleep when they're dead. (Hey, everyone else has been spewing out the puns like crazy... I couldn't end this post without at least one! :P)

I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas

2011-12-16T22:42:00.000+08:00

Bon Jovi's Christmas song "I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas" is being re-released in the US iTunes Store and Amazon MP3 Store with proceeds going to benefit the Special Olympics.

I believe this was originally recorded in 1992 and released as a B-side to the "Keep the Faith" single in the US, but also replaced Back Door Santa on later pressings of A Very Special Christmas (which had originally been released in 1987). Can someone confirm or deny this?

Bon Jovi's Hidden Gems

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000+08:00

This is a guest post by Daniel Ross... Enjoy!

Bon Jovi plays the hits. Thatʼs what the crowd wants and Jon, especially, gives the crowd what they want. As a die-hard fan who follows the tours, downloads bootlegs and occasionally engages the crowd over at the JoviTalk message board, this is not the Bon Jovi we love. Donʼt get me wrong, I LIKE the shows and I LIKE “Prayer,” “Wanted,” etc. but the Bon Jovi I LOVE is found in deeper album cuts that rarely, if ever, will see the light of day at their live shows.

Taking at look at each album the band has released (minus two greatest hits collections and the abomination that was “This Left Feels Right”) and four solo albums, one can find hidden gems. Below are my favorites. These arenʼt necessarily the best songs on the album (for instance “These Days” is definitely the best song from the “These Days” album, but itʼs not all that hidden to many fans). These are songs that arenʼt played live all that much (if at all) either these days.

Bon Jovi
None. “Runaway” is the only song from this album that I ever listen to. The rest is pretty Velveeta. This isnʼt a proper Bon Jovi album, in my opinion, as the band had not found its footing yet.

7800 Fahrenheit
7800 Fahrenheit isnʼt much better than the debut album but “King Of The Mountain,” though VERY 80s, is a fun song with a great chanting chorus. This one sounds better on vinyl so you can take the way-back machine to 1985.

Slippery When Wet
“Wild In The Streets.” This one used to be played live quite often but then dropped. I fell in love with this one through the live version found on a “These Days” import single (recorded live at Wembley, 1995). Specifically, I love the intros to the solos Jon shouts out on the live cut. “Slippery” is so pervasive that there arenʼt many true deep cuts on this one.

New Jersey
“Stick To Your Guns.” I have a theory that this was their attempt to recreate the success of “Wanted Dead Or Alive.” For a bunch of guys from New Jersey, they can pull off the cowboy motif very well. I prefer the studio version to any (rare) version Iʼve ever heard. I also get the impression that, were Richie in charge, this one would get more play. The line “And when you pray for independence” with Jonʼs impassioned vocal and Richieʼs harmony is the best part of the song.

Keep The Faith
“Little Bit Of Soul.” A buddy of mine in high school lent me his VHS copy of “Keep The Faith: An Evening With Bon Jovi.” This is the song I latched onto immediately. Itʼs so hopeful and has always been a great pick-me-up. Pure rock nʼ roll. Love Richieʼs playing on this one.

These Days
“My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My Arms.” The “These Days” album is my favorite. Much of it has to do with where I was in life when it came out (entering college and liking a very uncool band). However, I also think the band took more chances and stretched more as songwriters on this album than any other and the results showed. So much of me wishes theyʼd revisit this attitude. “Guitar” is a prime example of this. Dark and brooding with a huge chorus that addresses the listener with honesty. I also really dig Richieʼs fat Les Paul sound on this song (specifically the lick at 4:16).

Crush
“Next 100 Years.” Very Beatle-esque and a absolutely killer outro. Remnants of “These Days” songwriting are apparent.

Bounce
None. Maybe “The Distance” but, otherwise, itʼs not a very good album. They chased the success of “Itʼs My Life” with a whole album of misfires.

Have A Nice Day
“Novocaine.” Itʼs kind of bitter and not all that happy but it has a sweet sound. Iʼve always wondered if Richieʼs marriage troubles were starting around this time. Production could be better though.

Lost Highway
None. See “Bounce” but swap out “Whole Lotta Leavinʼ” and “Who Says...” as reasons this album isnʼt better.

The Circle
“Thorn In My Side.” They really killed it live with this one (via the YouTube videos I saw) with the extended guitar-mony jam at the end. The stops make this song.

SOLO ALBUMS
“Santa Fe” and “Itʼs Just Me” for Jon and “Father Time” and “Harlem Rain” for Richieʼs solo albums.

What are your favorite hidden gems on each album?

About the Blogger:
Daniel is the Music and Communications Minister at the Christian Church of Jasper in Jasper,
Indiana. He is the father of two girls and husband to a beautiful woman. He has been a Bon Jovi
fan since 1987 when his older sister dubbed a copy of Slippery When Wet from her friend and he would sneak into her room to listen to it. He was also a rock star in the garage of his Tennessee home playing the tennis racquet (along with his friend Jeremy) and singing “Bad Medicine” (which had been recorded by holding a tape recorder up to the radio speaker. Heʼs seen Bon Jovi live four times (3 times in Nashville - 1995, 2008 and 2010 and once in Louisville, Ky. - 2010). Daniel writes and records his own music with the band Narrow Path (www.narrowpath.us) and blogs (very occasionally) at Alien Soil (www.aliensoil.blogspot.com). You can follow him on Twitter (@jdanielross).

Bon Jovi headlining Bamboozle

2011-12-13T21:31:00.000+08:00

Bon Jovi will headline the Bamboozle Festival in New Jersey next year:

ASBURY PARK — The Bamboozle Festival, which has grown into a music institution since its inception in 2003, will return to its birth city here in May with rocker Jon Bon Jovi headlining the three-day event.

John D’Esposito, Live Nation talent buyer and founder of the Bamboozle Festival, said Monday that it was time to return here, and the City Council last Friday agreed to sign an agreement for the 10th annual festival to be held on the city’s waterfront May 18, 19 and 20.

The event began in Asbury Park, but by 2006 moved to the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford.

So far, Bon Jovi, one of the top-touring acts in the music business, and the festival’s other headliners, California pop-punkers Blink-182 and the Foo Fighters, a top-selling rock band formed in 1994 by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, have been announced as performing.

Read the full Asbury Park Press article here.

Pre-sale tickets also go on sale today, check out BonJovi.com for details.

FYI the rumours about Bon Jovi playing a show in Russia next year are NOT true. There have been scammers about trying to sell tickets to this non-existent show so be very wary.

Jon Bon Jovi + Richie Sambora host MTV Australia 1987

2011-12-09T22:29:00.001+08:00

Here's an amusing blast from the past... Jon and Richie as Guest VJs on MTV Australia back in 1987. You just don't get TV appearances like this anymore.

I've never been to the US but I'm sure I'll say the word "Americaaaa" a lot when I finally get there. ;)

As a side note, people go on about Bon Jovi's 80s hair but the mullet of Richard Wilkins -- who's now entertainment editor for the Today show in Australia -- deserves an honourable mention.

Thanks to Hath for the heads-up on this.

Take Advil, Jon Bon Jovi does!

2011-12-09T21:38:00.001+08:00

Jon is the latest celebrity ambassador for Advil:

If the name Jon Bon Jovi still brings to mind big hair, leather pants, and "Livin' on a Prayer," well it's time to fast forward about 25 years. The lead singer of the legendary Jersey pop metal band Bon Jovi is now nearly 50 years old and has just taken on a new gig … as an Advil spokesperson. (Hey, ever meet someone approaching the big 5-0 who doesn't have a few aches and pains?)

The makers of Advil hooked up with Jon after he injured his calf muscle while performing on stage last year and he later revealed in an interview that he relies on the pain reliever to get through the inevitable discomfort that comes with a job that frequently involves singing and dancing at stadium-sized performances.

"I'm sort of an athlete, up on stage," Jon said during a behind-the-scenes interview for the 30-second TV ad, which was shot at the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, a community kitchen in Red Bank, New Jersey, which provides meals to those in need.

You can read the rest of the article here and check out Jon's ad on the Advil website.

New Year's Eve B-roll

2011-12-05T22:21:00.001+08:00

Jon Bon Jovi's first movie in five or so years, New Year's Eve opens this week. Some of his scenes feature in the following B-roll videos.

And here's an interview with Jon about his character Jensen, director Garry Marshall, and his idea of new year's eve.

This isn't normally the kind of movie I'd pay to see, but I'll check it out this month. I enjoyed Love Actually, maybe I'll like this too. :)

JBJ at Heart of Camden Gala

2011-12-04T00:22:00.001+08:00

Jon's philanthropic endeavours were honoured at the Heart of Camden Gala this week:

CHERRY HILL — Rocker Jon Bon Jovi came to town Friday night to accept the “Small Things, Great Love” Award at the second annual Heart of Camden Gala. And during his remarks — contrary to the egotistical image one might conjure of an international superstar — the New Jersey native barely used the pronoun “I.”

“We are big believers in the power of we,” said the singer, founder of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. “Tonight we’re here to shine a light. We’re coming together to take control and make a difference.

“Government can’t do it alone. Residents or rock stars can’t do it alone. This award is not about me, it’s about us.”

Read the full article here.

And here's a nice ABC Action News video about the cause:

Bon Jovi's David Bryan still riding high with smash musical 'Memphis'

2011-12-01T18:52:00.001+08:00

Nice interview with Dave about Memphis in the Winnipeg Free Press:

TORONTO - As a kid growing up in Jersey, about the only piece of musical theatre Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan remembers seeing is "Fiddler on the Roof."

"I'm a good Jewish boy from Edison, New Jersey so I went and saw 'Fiddler on the Roof' because you have to, that's part of your bar mitzvah experience," Bryan said in a recent telephone interview from New York City.

"I just didn't see that many shows, it was more about the rock concerts."

Read the full article here.

Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora keeps rocking

2011-11-28T21:06:00.001+08:00

There's a new interview of Richie in the Miami Herald:

Richie Sambora had a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. After more than 30 years in the rock ’n’ roll business, the Bon Jovi guitarist is still grinding away, working on another solo effort and teaming up with band mate and longtime friend Jon Bon Jovi for a new album.

That’s why he tries to give back.

Sambora, 52, will team up with legendary singer/songwriter Richie Supa to host the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County 13th Annual “Bikers Bash” at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Dec. 9.

"I’m the kind of guy who always tries to aim at helping children," says Sambora from Los Angeles. “Every time I get involved in charities it’s to help kids, whether they’re abusing drugs or runaways, or in trouble somehow."

The rest of the article mostly covers old ground with soundbites we've heard before but it's worth a read anyway. If only for this addition to the tried and true "rock concerts are like sex" analogy:

“Do I go back to my hotel room by myself and play Living on a Prayer, no. But I’ll probably pull it out if someone’s going to enjoy it."

Um, say what now? :P