In the new Bon Jovi docuseries, ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,’ set to premiere on April 26 on Hulu and internationally on Disney+. Despite their significant contributions to the band’s legacy, Bon Jovi said that their paths have not crossed in the production of the documentary, explaining:
“Not a word. That was [director] Gotham Chopra. This wasn’t a puff piece, and this was no bullsh*t. This is not us behind the scenes pulling strings. Oh, no, no, no. They interviewed Richie in London. I wasn’t there. I had nothing to do with it. No, I still haven’t seen the [finished] product.”
Sambora’s departure from the band in 2013, cited as due to ‘personal issues,’ left a notable gap just hours before a scheduled performance. Phil X filled in for Sambora for the remainder of the tour and was officially inducted into the band in 2016. Despite the absence of communication, Bon Jovi stressed that there is no animosity between them, noting:
“We’re not in contact because he’s not in the organization any longer. Doesn’t mean that there’s not love forever, but it’s 11 years ago that he just didn’t show up anymore. And there were emotional issues that he was dealing with as a single dad, and there were substance abuse issues that, you know… Phil X had to show up one time, and then Phil X had to show up another time. And then, again, there’s a show that night. What are we gonna do?”
The documentary not only traces the band’s ascent to fame and the challenges they faced along the way but also casts a light on the pivotal moment when Sambora decided to leave. The guitarist said the following in the series trailer, hinting at the complex emotions surrounding his exit:
“I don’t regret leaving, but I regret how I did it.”
The documentary, directed by Gotham Chopra and produced by ROS, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the band’s self-titled debut album and explores their journey through interviews with band members and close associates, enriched by unseen footage and personal archives. Besides the docuseries, the band is set to release a new album, ‘Forever,’ on June 7, with the lead single ‘Legendary’ already out.