Richie Sambora Apparently Hated 1 Bon Jovi Hit
via Damned TV / Youtube
“Runaway” is a cornerstone of Bon Jovi’s legacy. This electrifying anthem propelled the band from obscurity to global recognition. It’s hard to imagine Bon Jovi’s success without this runaway hit (heh).
But here’s a surprising twist: Richie Sambora, the former long-time member and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer with Bon Jovi, has a rather rocky relationship with the song.
Despite its iconic status, Sambora has openly expressed his dislike for “Runaway,” even refusing to play it live.
“I Hate That Song! I’ll Never Play It Again.”
Richie wasn’t always a fan of Bon Jovi’s earliest material. In a 2014 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, he admitted, “The early Bon Jovi stuff I can’t stand. I just think we didn’t have our stylistic voice. But some people love some of that stuff.”
One song in particular seems to grate on him: the band’s breakout hit, “Runaway.” Despite its iconic status, Sambora isn’t shy about his dislike for the song. Fans often request it at concerts, but Sambora declared, “I hate that song! I’ll never play it again.”
Interestingly, “Runaway” was recorded before Sambora joined the band. It’s hard to imagine Bon Jovi’s trajectory without the song’s success, but Sambora’s relationship with it remains complex.
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The Birth of “Runaway”
“Runaway” wasn’t quite a band effort at first. Jon Bon Jovi, along with co-writer George Karak, recorded the track in 1982 with a group of session musicians. This all-star crew included future Bon Jovi bassist Hugh McDonald, guitarist Tim Pierce, drummer Frankie LaRocka, and even Bruce Springsteen’s keyboardist Roy Bittan.
The Power Station in New York served as their recording studio, with Jon’s cousin, Tony Bongiovi, overseeing the session (though the master tape lists Johnny Bongiovi as the artist). Despite the talent involved, “Runaway” initially faced rejection. Bon Jovi was repeatedly turned down by record labels and management companies.
However, the song’s fate took a turn in 1983 when it landed on a compilation album for local New York artists by radio station WAPP. Bon Jovi himself described the station as so new he could “walk right in and knock on the DJ’s booth.” This local radio play proved to be the spark that ignited Bon Jovi’s meteoric rise.
From Radio Hit to ‘Bon Jovi’
A key player in “Runaway’s” success was DJ Chip Hobart of WAPP. Bon Jovi himself delivered the song on cassette, and Hobart recognized its potential. The song’s popularity grew beyond WAPP, catching the attention of record labels across the country. However, there was one crucial missing piece: a band.
This is where the classic Bon Jovi lineup came in. With David Bryan on keyboards, Tico Torres on drums, Alec John Such on bass, and the final touch – guitarist and vocalist Richie Sambora – Bon Jovi solidified its signature sound. Together they recorded their self-titled debut album (though interestingly, “Runaway” was the lone track not featuring the full band).
It’s worth noting that the band’s name change, from Jon Bon Jovi to simply Bon Jovi, mirrored the rise of another keyboard-driven rock act in Van Halen, whose smash hit “Jump” arrived in 1984.
The Pressure of Slippery When Wet
By the time Bon Jovi reached their third album, the pressure was on. Their first two releases achieved moderate sales, but major labels have little patience. The band knew this might be their last shot. Thankfully, things turned out very differently.
Slippery When Wet became a phenomenon, exploding onto the charts and selling millions. Hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer”, “You Give Love a Bad Name”, and “Wanted Dead or Alive” propelled them to superstardom. Looking back, it’s clear the relentless touring between 1984 and 1986 honed their sound. The inexperience of the early days, evident on their debut was a distant memory.
This newfound tightness is what separated Bon Jovi from other aspiring rock acts. While some bands might have peaked with a sound that fit perfectly into an 80s B-movie (think Michael Dudikoff action flicks), Bon Jovi had evolved into something far more substantial. They were ready to dominate the charts.
Richie Sambora’s Exit And Solo Work
It’s been over a decade since Richie Sambora left Bon Jovi. Fans might hold out hope for a future reunion, but for now, it seems unlikely they’ll see him back on stage playing “Runaway” alongside Jon Bon Jovi.
Sambora’s abrupt departure came in 2013, just before a concert in Calgary on the Because We Can tour. He’s only rejoined the band once since then – for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2018. In an interview, Sambora explained his decision was driven by a desire to prioritize his family. “I really needed to take some time to be with my daughter,” he said. “She needed me and I needed her, actually.”
Since leaving Bon Jovi, Sambora has explored other musical avenues. He released a solo EP with and performed alongside fellow guitarist and then-girlfriend Orianthi.
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