Here's the first piece of Bon Jovi's promotional campaign that will reportedly lead to Richie Sambora reuniting with the band.
In celebration of the band's 40th anniversary, their self-titled debut album is available now in a deluxe format on streaming platforms. It contains nine bonus tracks, including unreleased studio recordings, four rare live cuts from 1985 in Tokyo, and the evolution of “Runaway” -- from Jon’s original cassette writing demo, the band’s early run-through, a full alternate take, to an extended version with a second guitar lead. It also features an early incarnation of “Come Back” where Jon sings his idea for a guitar solo.
The digital release will be followed by a limited-edition ruby color vinyl disc on March 24th, and a limited-edition cassette on April 5th.
A four-part documentary on the band, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, which will premiere on Hulu on April 26th.
Sambora, who stepped away from the band in 2013, has been more open to reuniting with the band recently. With Jon Bon Jovi being recognized as MusiCares Person of the Year on February 4th in Los Angeles, word has it that Sambora will be there.
And, with Jon receiving the Milestone Award at the Pollstar Awards -- the concert industry publication -- on February 7th at the Wiltern in Los Angeles, and being named keynote speaker at the Pollstar Live conference the same day, it looks as though the stars are finally aligned.
Certainly having Sambora back in the band will bode well, especially in light of Bon Jovi's 2022 tour in which Jon was clearly having vocal issues, but refused to cancel any shows, not to mention never acknowledging there was a problem.
Since his departure from Bon Jovi, Sambora has performed on an off as well as recording two EPs and an album with his now former girlfriend and fellow guitarist, Orianthi.
Source: Variety and Premiere