Bon Jovi tease 40th anniversary comeback but 'problematic' behind-the-scenes
Music icon Jon Bon Jovi is celebrating his band's 40th anniversary and will reunite with Richie Sambora for an upcoming documentary.
But while on the face of things, the once super tight music icons are "fine", behind-the-scenes hopes for a reunion are "proving problematic". Guitar ace Richie wants Jon to "reopen the door, but as of yet there is no opening."
Sources say that the pair did contribute to the TV documentary, but a tour may not happen. Insiders say that offers have been tabled for The Sphere in Vegas, but nothing is settled yet.
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Jon has been feuding with Richie (AFP via Getty Images)Richie, 64, wants to celebrate the New Jersey act’s legacy live on stage as they reach their five decade together. When it was suggested that he must use the doc to get back together, Richie reacted: “Tell him that.”
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He confirmed that discussions of a reunion have been raging for a while - without any firm agreement from Jon to welcome his “songwriting brother” back into the fray. Richie teased: “There is some talking, there is some talk and I have participated in a documentary about the band.”
Richie beamed with pride as he spoke of the rock act’s achievements during a conversation at The Breeders' Cup in Arcadia, California. "We wrote a lot of songs that changed a lot of people's lives. So yeah, a reunion definitely could happen. 40th anniversary…why not now right?“ he said.
However, a music industry source admits that there is uncertainty over Richie and Jon “settling things to tour again.” The insider, who has worked for marketing agencies alongside the band, said: “Jon and Richie were brothers in the 80s and 90s through thick and thin, but that bond, like many friendships, has lessened though the years. The band has continued without Richie, very successfully, and there has been less and less contact.
“Richie wants to come back and try to recreate the magic of their first decade together. Jon is still withering, despite Richie having support from others in their camp. The men need to have a full sit-down and lengthy talk about their feelings. That has not happened…yet.
Jon is reportedly what's holding back a reunion (Sirius XM)“However from a business perspective, those around Jon know that a reunion could spark huge news, be loved by fans and generate hundreds of millions of dollars.”
In Las Vegas, casino consultants say that Bon Jovi is in the sights of bosses at The Sphere. Irish act U2 has been the only confirmed headliner at the cutting-edge venue, but contact has been made with Jon about a stint there.
"Jon and his managers know the team behind The Sphere well from years of performing shows in NYC. There is a lot of love and respect and a discussion about whether it would work as a place to play. They have resisted Vegas for years, but aligning with a technically advanced venue allows them more scope for a unique show. But it will be down to how much money can be generated."
Richie and Jon have never ever explained how the former close friend and songwriters of hits like Wanted Dead Or Alive, Livin On A Prayer and Keep The Faith, went their separate ways halfway through a 2013 world tour.
In 2018 the pair did enjoy a 20-minute stage reunion for their induction into the Rock And Roll Hame Of Fame. Richie admitted then: “There’s a lot of love here”, while Jon closed down the idea of a comeback: "I think Richie has a solo career.”
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