SamboraBlog

Bon Jovi may be approaching the final leg of their worldwide Lost Highway tour, but the legendary rockers say they’re still as fired up as ever.

So says lead guitarist Richie Sambora, who talked exclusively with The Observer today about their upcoming Sarnia Bayfest performance on July 6.

“At the end of a tour, a band like us is like a well-oiled machine,” said Sambora. “Anytime you play — whether it’s for 20,000 or 100,000 people — at this level of our career, we have to be on our A-game.”

Sambora was reached at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry England, where he and bandmates — frontman Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres — are set to perform for 40,000 people tonight.

“It’s bigger than big,” he said about the tour, which has had them traveling overseas since May. “Last night, we played for 60,000 people in Manchester, and the other night, we had 115,000 in Portugal... it’s just bigger than big.”

This week, the Lost Highway tour was named the most popular concert ticket in North America.

“I think it’s astounding to us that after 25 years, this is all still happening,” he continued. “We’re very very happy and proud; it’s just a great feeling.”

After their June 28 show in London, the fifth and final leg of the tour kicks off here in Sarnia.

Sambora said they’re always up for hitting new cities.

“It feels great,” he said, when asked about coming to Sarnia for the first time.

“This band is always into breaking new ground, and we’re always excited to play.”

“Our production is fantastic,” he continued. “And we’re just going to give people a great show.”

Bayfest organizers have been trying for four years to book the band — which is being called the biggest act in the outdoor festival’s 10-year history.

Sambora promises a high-energy performance with songs from the new album, as well as some classic favourites.

But it’s up to Bayfest fans to bring the show over the top.

“For us, it’s about engagement. The audience is just as important as the band — that’s half the show.

“If anybody has ever seen us, we demand participation,” he continued. “Jon is that kind of front man; he is the best.”

“And if you haven’t seen us yet, come to the show,” he concluded. “We’ll make you a believer.”

Bon Jovi will be followed by Bayfest headliners Fergie on July 9, Motley Crue on July 10, Black Crowes July 11, Rascal Flatts on July 12 and Big N Rich on July 13.