Jon Bon Jovi on touring with and without Richie Sambora

Jon was recently interviewed in Munich for the Daily Record and Sunday Mail in Scotland. He talks about touring, emulating the Rolling Stones and his friendship with President Obama, but here's what he had to say about Richie:

"It was great for Richie to go and take care of himself knowing full well he was not being fired or punished. He needed and wanted to seek help. Now, he's focused, re-energised and everything is great. Our partnership is as strong as ever.

"Is Richie conquering his demons? How can I comment on that without knowing the disease. I think he's very cognisant of the situation and loves his mother, daughter and band more than anything in the world. I'm very proud of his efforts. He's still my dearest friend."

Read the full article here.

Richie Sambora back on tour

TMZ is reporting that Richie will be playing with Bon Jovi in Europe:

Richie Sambora is out of rehab and has just landed in New York City, but he's not staying long -- he's rejoining the Bon Jovi tour.

Sambora told our photog at JFK he was feeling good -- which was evidenced by the fact he signed dozens upon dozens of autographs for fans.

I think most of us had already figured he was back, but if you're attending a show on the Euro leg, you might be a little nervous until there's an official announcement... or until you physically see Richie on stage.

EDIT: And here's the video of Richie signing autographs and confirming he'll be touring again.

Phil X on board for May, Richie back for Europe?

Fill-in guitarist Phil X has tweeted that he's currently scheduled to play with Bon Jovi for all the shows in May:

@TheRealPhilX Phil X

Thanks for all the messages & support re last night's show @ Jazzfest. At this time I'm on board for the shows in May. Woohoo!!!

8 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone

That would take us to the end of the North American leg. There is a gap from May 22 to June 8, when the European shows kick off in Zagreb. I think the plan is for Richie Sambora to rejoin the tour in Europe, but we'll see what happens. Some fans have tweeted Phil about specific shows during May, and he's said "at this stage" he's set to play, so I guess the door is still open for Richie to return sooner if he's ready.

Here are some other Phil X tweets related to his latest job:

TheRealPhilX Phil X

Waking up in New York. I think I finally got a good 6 hours sleep. Busy morning before my flight to New Orleans. Happy Friday.

29 Apr

TheRealPhilX Phil X

Play in front of 50,000 people w one if the biggest bands in the world, jump into a G4, fly to NYC & read a review of the show upon landing.

1 May

TheRealPhilX Phil X

@ramiromoreno I like Richie's work. I'm just helping out man. We're all hoping he's better soon.

12 hours ago

EDIT: I thought it was worth adding this tweet, to help alleviate some people's concerns:

@TheRealPhilX Phil X

Already getting tired of the press using the word "replaced" instead of "filling in" or "covering for". RS will be back & kicking ass soon.

10 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone

Sambora a chance for Jazz Fest?

All reports seem to indicate that Richie Sambora will be in rehab when Bon Jovi takes to the stage at New Orleans' Jazz Fest, but this article by The Times-Picayune's Keith Spera seems to suggest he could still play:

However, as I left the Fair Grounds around 8:45 p.m. on Friday after filing my last reviews, the Bon Jovi road crew was already assembling the band's gear on the Acura Stage. Tico Torres' massive drum kit was in place; it will be moved to the back of the stage as other bands perform Saturday.

Interestingly, at stage right stood a standard microphone and the tube device used for "talk box" guitar solos.

A member of the crew confirmed that this was Sambora's guitar rig. So would Sambora actually make the gig at Jazz Fest? "We'll see what happens," said the roadie, declining to elaborate further.

Intriguing. I guess we will all know soon enough.

Richie Sambora set to miss upcoming shows

It appears that Richie's latest stint in rehab will cause him to miss tour dates, judging from the statement Bon Jovi released today:

"Our support for Richie is absolute. He is, and will remain, a member of Bon Jovi. Although he will be absent from upcoming shows for the time being, we very much look forward to his healthy return. In the meantime, we will keep our commitment to our fans and continue our tour."

Jon's brother Matt had this to say on Twitter:

MatthewBongiovi Matthew Bongiovi

Now you know it's not my place to comment. Richie will be fine and is fine. Personal life comes first and you have to respect that.

14 hours ago

MatthewBongiovi Matthew Bongiovi

All I can say is that we are heading to NOLA tomorrow. No shows will be canceled.

15 hours ago

Hoo, boy. I'm guessing Bobby Bandiera will take over lead guitar on any shows that Richie misses -- like he did in Puerto Rico in 2007. The whole band is in a tricky situation but given how much flak Bobby cops from Bon Jovi fans even when he's not playing solos, I have to say I feel extra sorry for him. Jon is also not getting off lightly for going ahead with the concerts instead of postponing and offering refunds.

Richie is the most recognisable member of the band after Jon -- and probably on par with Jon in terms of popularity among diehards -- which begs the question. How would you approach a show knowing that the King of Swing wouldn't be there and that the songs will probably sound different? (Even putting aside the constant argument over the quality of his playing, Bobby doesn't use talkbox, which is a big part of Livin' on a Prayer, It's My Life and even We Got It Goin' On.) Would it still be a Bon Jovi show for you without Richie? Would you still want to attend or would you try to sell your tickets?

For what it's worth, most addicts do relapse and it is often an important part of the recovery process, but I do hope Richie gets this thing kicked for good.