SamboraBlog

In addition, it’s been the third different sporting event this weekend that I’ve heard using this damn song, we’ve had a Bill Gramatica sighting (he missed an extra point), and Richie Sambora is starting at tight end for Philadelphia. Okay, that’s not true.

A signed guitar by Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi fame is one of the many items available for bidding at Agoura High School痴 annual auction on Tues., Feb. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Neighborhood Community Center in Westlake Village.

Hey, Scott Stapp is getting married soon, and I was wondering if, as an employee of MLB.com, which is promoting his debut solo album, you would be invited or had an in for an invitation?
-- Brad M., Solon, Ohio

Unfortunately, I don't. But thanks to MLB.com's recent promotion of the new Bon Jovi album, I am invited to attend Richie Sambora's daughter's ninth birthday party. Yeah, that's right. Be jealous.

Updated: 3:08 p.m. ET Jan. 21, 2006
HAMILTON, Ontario - Members of the band Bon Jovi escaped unharmed after their private plane skidded off a runway in Canada early Saturday.

It happened as their private Boeing 707 landed in Hamilton, Ontario, after a concert last night in Buffalo.

A spokeswoman says the band, touring staff and flight crew left the plane with no reports of injuries. The plane overshot the runway after landing in severe weather.

The 1980's "hair-metal" band Bon Jovi performed in Buffalo's HSBC Arena Friday night. Fans of all ages, including children of the band's first fans, came to see the sold-out show.Guitarist Richie Sambora recalled an early gig in Buffalo."It was some ridiculous amount of snow, like 14 feet or something like that, and there was like 10 people in the club," Sambora said.

How times have changed.

The band released its latest album, "Have A Nice Day," in September, and has enjoyed success for 23 years. Now just at the beginning of this tour, they are headed for arenas in Europe, Japan, and Australia as well as the United States.

"If you want to have the staying power like we have for 20 years, you have to embrace the craft of song writing," Sambora said, "and you have to be a businessman, because it's tough to stay out there."

It was a huge night for Buffalo band Last Conservative, which opened for Bon Jovi.

Watch Robyn's story, including video from the show.

Click Here to See Richie Sambora's Complete Interview.

Arena-rock pros give devoted fans a solid, stunning serving of hits

'80s pop metal faves look good, sound good, smoothly mix old, new

Release date: 01.17.06
Label: Universal International

Meanwhile, the album's second single, Who Says You Can't Go Home, has been donated by Bon Jovi and guitarist Richie Sambora to a New Jersey tourism spring ad campaign -- although there is some dispute from the publisher, which wants $175,000 US for it.

Over 20 years ago, when Bon Jovi emerged from New Jersey with the irresistibly catchy yet somewhat cheesy "Runaway," few would have predicted their long reign at the top of the charts.

Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora have said the state is welcome to use their latest hit, "Who Says You Can't Go Home," in a new commercial — gratis. But the song's publisher wants $175,000 for the rights, according to budget documents.

Frontman JON BON JOVI and guitarist RICHIE SAMBORA gave the tourism board permission to use their new single WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T GO HOME in a new TV advertisement for the US' Garden State.

"Coke pays millions to use a song in a commercial," the source told the News. "People should get paid for what they write. Jon and Richie are good Jersey boys. They've done so much charitable work for the state."

Bon Jovi and band mate Richie Sambora, both from New Jersey, agreed to let the state tourism commission use the song "gratis," but their publishers and record label want the fee, according to the JBOC memo.