Richie Sambora plays with Bon Jovi for the first time since 2013
Richie Sambora has joined musical forces with Bon Jovi for the first time in a half a decade.
The guitarist and co-founding member will take to the stage with his former Bon Jovi band mates at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction on Saturday (14th April), and, speaking to Billboard, Richie has confirmed he’s already been rehearsing with them.
“It feels great to see everybody,” Richie said. “We already rehearsed and it was wonderful, it wasn't awkward.
“The chemistry came back very quickly; it’s matrixed into our muscle memory at this point. If you’re on the road performing and touring for 30 years, (the Rock Hall ceremony) is just another cycle - and it’s a good one, so here we go.”
Asked how he found out about Bon Jovi’s induction, Richie said: “There were murmurings that came through about a week before the announcement or so, and I was not trying to get excited about it - because I figured, you never know.
“We’ve been nominated before (in 2011). I had kind of put it out of mind, because we were looked over by the grand forefathers of the Hall of Fame until this year. But I figured that, you know, one day, I’d get in. Maybe I’d be dead, but I’d still get in.
“Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a milestone, without a doubt. Like I said, I’ve tried not to get too excited about it for a long time, but I’m starting to get excited about it. I’m glad that I’m actually alive to get in there.”
Richie continued: “You don’t go out and make music for the awards. You make music for the fans - that’s the truth.
“And this award is all about them, because without them, there would be no Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There would be no music business. Think about it: you put a concert on, and if the fans didn't show up, there ain’t no concert.”
Richie Sambora last performed with Bon Jovi at the United Spirit Arena in March 2013 on the Because We Can Tour.
Bon Jovi will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside Dire Straits, The Cars, The Moody Blues and Nina Simone on Saturday 14th April in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Class of 2018 Inductees were chosen by more than 900 voters, as well as the aggregate results of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s online fan vote.
Nominated artists who missed out on the final cut include Judas Priest, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, The Zombies, Link Wray, MC5, Rage Against The Machine and The J. Geils Band.