Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora has reposted several posts from his fans on X criticizing Jon Bon Jovi for continuing the band without Sambora ahead of Bon Jovi’s comeback tour in 2026. This was reported on X.

The reposts appear to be Sambora’s way of sending a message to his former bandmate through fan commentary on social media.

“You are not Bon Jovi without Richie,” one fan wrote in a post that Sambora shared. “And your current guitarist is not it, bring back Richie!”

Another fan’s message, also reposted by Sambora, stated: “There is NO Bon Jovi without the amazing.”

The social media activity comes as tensions appear to remain between the former bandmates. Fans continue to express their desire to see Sambora return to the iconic rock band.

This latest social media exchange highlights the ongoing fan sentiment surrounding Sambora’s absence from the band. This sentiment has persisted for over a decade since his unexpected departure.

Sambora left Bon Jovi on April 10, 2013, citing exhaustion from the band’s relentless touring schedule and a desire to prioritize his family responsibilities as a single father to his daughter Ava, who was 9 at the time. Rolling Stone reported that he announced it via a statement on the band’s website, emphasizing it was not due to personal conflicts but personal needs.

The timing of Sambora’s recent social media activity is particularly notable as it coincides with Bon Jovi’s major tour announcement. Billboard confirmed that Bon Jovi announced their 2026 “Forever Tour” on January 15, 2026, marking the band’s return to live performances after Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal cord surgery recovery. The tour kicks off June 1, 2026, in Nashville, TN, with 40 North American dates featuring new guitarist Phil X. Plans for international legs in Europe and Asia are scheduled for later in the year.

Despite the fan speculation fueled by Sambora’s recent reposts, both musicians have maintained that their relationship remains cordial. In a March 2026 podcast interview, Jon Bon Jovi stated that he and Sambora remain on good terms despite no plans for a reunion. Blabbermouth documented that Bon Jovi said, “Richie’s family came first then, and I respect that—we talk occasionally, but Bon Jovi moves forward.”

Sambora himself later attempted to clarify his social media activity, describing it as “just sharing love for the music, not shade,” amid ongoing fan speculation about a potential reunion. This follows his February 2026 reposts of fan criticism. The guitarist may not be actively seeking conflict, but he remains aware of the passionate fan base that continues to advocate for his return to the band.