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“Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story” has been captivating audiences on Hulu since April 26th, offering a deep dive into the untold stories of the iconic band through the perspectives of its original members: Jon Bon Jovi, drummer Tico Torres, keyboardist David Bryan, bassist Hugh McDonald, and guitarist Richie Sambora. Sambora’s departure from the band in 2013 sent shockwaves through the music industry, and now fans have the opportunity to learn about the events that led to his exit.
The documentary sheds light on the close friendship between Bon Jovi and Sambora, who collaborated on numerous hit songs for the band over the years. In episode three, Sambora opens up about his decision to leave, citing family reasons and personal struggles. His wife, Heather Locklear, was experiencing mental health issues, and Sambora felt the need to prioritize his family. Additionally, the pressures of being part of one of the biggest bands in the world took a toll on him, leading to creative blocks and tension within the group.
Bon Jovi reflects on the challenges the band faced during the recording of their 2009 album, “The Circle,” noting that while he was enjoying the success, Sambora was struggling. Tensions escalated when someone filled in for Sambora during a recording session, leading him to feel sidelined by the band. Drummer Tico Torres acknowledges the difficulty of Sambora’s departure and the band’s decision to move forward without him, expressing sadness over the situation.
Despite the challenges, there has always been a deep bond between Bon Jovi and Sambora. They first met in the 1980s when Sambora joined the band at the recommendation of founding bassist Alec John Such. From the moment they met, Bon Jovi recognized Sambora’s immense talent as a musician and songwriter. Even after Sambora’s departure, there has been no animosity between the former bandmates.
In fact, Bon Jovi and Sambora recently watched the first three parts of the docuseries together, highlighting the enduring friendship between them. While Sambora’s absence may always be felt, the band has continued to honor their legacy, reuniting with all five original members for a performance at their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2018.