🎸 Richie Sambora Turns 65 – Still Livin’ on a Prayer!
Posted by Ken at Birdland Music
It’s July, and that means we’re tipping our hats (and tuning our guitars) to one of the greatest axemen in rock history — Richie Sambora, who turns 65 on July 11!
If you grew up on Slippery When Wet, New Jersey, or just blasted “Wanted Dead or Alive” on repeat, you already know that Richie isn’t just Bon Jovi’s longtime guitarist — he is the sound of an era. That talk box intro? Iconic. That smooth, bluesy solo in “Always”? Goosebumps every time.
Richie Sambora brought more than technical chops to Bon Jovi — he brought heart, soul, and those gritty harmonies that made the band’s anthems unforgettable. And while Jon Bon Jovi may have been the frontman, Sambora was always the engine behind the band’s emotional punch and hard-rocking edge.
Outside of Bon Jovi, Richie’s solo work deserves more love. Tracks like “Ballad of Youth” and “Hard Times Come Easy” show off a depth that many never saw on the arena stage. And let’s not forget his collaborations — from Cher to Orianthi — proving that his guitar magic transcends genres and generations.
At 65, Sambora still rocks with that same soulful fire that made us all want to grow our hair out and buy a Les Paul. Whether you’re a lifelong Bon Jovi fan or just discovering his solo catalog, there’s no denying Richie’s influence on modern rock guitar.
So swing by Birdland Music — we’ve got Bon Jovi vinyl ready to spin, Sambora solos ready to shred, and memories ready to relive. Here’s to Richie Sambora, still wanted — and still very much alive — in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. 🎶
Rock steady,
Ken
Birdland Music