SamboraBlog

When Bon Jovi played the tenth anniversary party for Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Saturday night, they looked backed fondly, treating the star-studded audience -- featuring fellow rockers Mike Shinoda and Joe Hahn of Linkin Park, Mike Einzinger of Incubus and Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains -- to a greatest-hits set in a specially constructed venue in the venue's parking lot.
But now the New Jersey rockers are getting ready to move forward, as they plan to release their new album in September. Collaborating with songwriter/producer John Shanks (Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette), Bon Jovi have finished thirteen tracks, and may add a few more.

"It's a heavy record," guitarist Richie Sambora says. "There are lots of guitars -- I'll tell you that, man."

The lead single is called "Have a Nice Day," but Sambora warns not to be fooled by its friendly title, describing it as "very Clint Eastwood." The guitarist cites "Welcome to Wherever You Are" as another favorite.

Bon Jovi plan to get back on the road in October to support the fall release, after they take the summer off. "We're gonna just hang with our families," Sambora says.

The guitarist will also use the downtime to get cracking on his next solo album, with help from some country folk. "I'm slated to write with Joe Don [Rooney] from Rascal Flatts, and I'm supposed to get together with Jo Dee Messina," he says. "I've also been talking to Kenny Chesney. I'm trying to branch out. That's what keeps you evolving . . . and I think that's part of the secret to our success."

STEVE BALTIN
(Posted 5 04, 2005)