Richie Sambora Opens Up Says He Left the Band Bon Jovi Because ‘Family Had To Come First’

Richie Sambora Opens Up Says He Left the Band Bon Jovi Because ‘Family Had To Come First’

By Movieguide® Staff

Richie Sambora, a former member of the iconic rock band Bon Jovi, said that he has no regrets after leaving in 2013 to be with his daughter, Ava.

“It wasn’t a popular decision by any means, obviously, but there was really almost no choice about it. I had a lot of conscious work to do around [my personal life],” Sambora, 61, told PEOPLE Magazine.

“We’ve been through a lot of things together. That was a time of psychological maintenance for the family,” Sambora continued. “You know, I ain’t no angel. But I realized, Ava needed me to be around at that point in time. Family had to come first, and that’s what happened.”

Before his controversial decision, Sambora revealed that he had overcome an addiction to painkillers and alcohol after rehab in 2007 and 2011. Aside from his addictions, the rock n roll life took its toll.

“When I look back and start to list the tours… 18-and-a-half months of being on the road, 52 countries,” Sambora recalls. “It’s like, Wow. It was really time for a break. We did that 14 times over a 31-year period.”

Despite his busy schedule, Sambora said he took every opportunity to be with his daughter while on tour.

“I love being a dad more than anything,” Sambora said. “Luckily I was making enough money to be able to have a private plane, get… home and see my kid even if it was only for one day. If it was Halloween, it was boom, home.”

Ava, now 23, said that her father’s dedication meant the world to her.

“He showed up to every dance recital I performed in and all of my school functions no matter how far he had to travel,” Ava told PEOPLE. “He even flew all the way from Australia to surprise me at my father-daughter dance.”

After Sambora left the band, he said that it was a lot easier to grow a deeper relationship and bond with his daughter.

“I’m lucky enough to have an amazing relationship with my daughter,” Sambora said.

Sambora added: “We’ve always had a very open, conversational relationship. I just said, ‘Hey, you can tell me anything. I’m going to be on your side.'”

Sambora recognizes the responsibility he has to his child. It became his number one focus regardless of the success of his career.

“I brought a child into this world,” Sambora said, “and I do not take it lightly.”

“I’m very, very proud of her and the way she turned out,” Sambora added. “She’s an amazing young woman with a bright future. She’s just dedicated to being a good person. And she is.”

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What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.