Like Frankie Said

In any successful band, there has to be a lot of chemistry. Sinatra had Tommy Dorsey, then Nelson Riddle. Hell, he had the Rat Pack. Elvis had D.J. Fontana, Scotty Moore, then the Colonel and the Memphis Mafia. Paul had John, George, and Ringo. Mick had Keith and Charlie. Well, you get the idea. Me? I had Tico, I had David, and I had Richie.

For twenty-five years, Richie Sambora has been my right hand – the brother, partner, and friend you hope to one day find from the time when you’re a kid. I tell people – and I mean this as the highest compliment – you would be lucky to call him your friend. He has the talent and desire that set him apart from the average guy slinging a six-string around. Sure, there are loads of guys who can play. There are lots of guys who can sing. But there is – and only ever will be – one Richie Sambora.

In any band, each member has a job to do. Tico Torres not only holds the bottom down sonically but has, for a long time, been the voice of reason – the elder statesman, if you will. He once said to me, “You know I love you. I’ve been watching your ass for the last twenty-five years.” He has watched me guide this ship’s course since its inception. He had the faith to leave a successful band with a recording contract for a kid, a garage, and a dream. I hope he thinks it was worth it. I’m sure glad he chose to come along.

David Bryan has played in bands with me, on and off, since I was sixteen. I remember his father had a van and he had a Hammond B3. Dave might have been seventeen when we first played together. I like to bust him because he’s twenty-two days older than I am. He’s old. He’s also a very funny guy who has added his share of fun to our mix. Now he’s a big shot on Broadway, and of course he won’t need us anymore. At least I can say, “I knew him when…”

(…) OK. I’ll admit it. We actually enjoy what we do for a living. We make records. We sing for thousands of people every night. What’s not to love? Each other? Maybe, some nights. But I’ll tell you what. I can say something bad about one of my guys and that’s OK. If you try it, I’ll knock you out.