Imagine for a moment that you're Jon Bon Jovi...
 

... and you receive a phone call, is your buddy Rich and he tells you "hey man, sorry, but I don't want to be in the band anymore", you try to convince him but is useless. The thing is, you already had plans for the 30th Anniversary of the Bon Jovi album, a boxset and a tour, maybe a new album with some ideas that were on your mind. Who would you call to be the new Sambora?

tl;dr: choose new guitar player for Bon Jovi.

I'd pick John Norum, one of my favourites guitar players. I know this wouldn't happen IRL as he actually left Europe on the 80s because they were too pop and he's actually with that band, but not only he's an awesome guitar player, he's a talented songwriter, has a really great voice and he has some blues influences as Richie does, so I'd be a great addition, specially for a new record.

Also, John Norum's solo albums Total Control and Face The Truth are better than anything that Richie had pulled out by himself.

The Edge. :p

I call up my friend Dave Sabo.

Great shout but not sure it would work though.

I call up Bruce Dickinson from Little Angels or Nuno Bettencourt (I know that wont work either) but I think Bruce could fit.

Id consider Phil X - Id like to hear an album with his influence on it.

Just thinking the same. I have no idea what Phil X's type of music is. I've never heard The Drills. Might be interesting to see if he'd challenge the status quo though.

Let's be fair, Richie has bent over for a long time and just taken it. He's even admitted as much. I don't think Phil would come in and dictate to Jon but perhaps some of his influence might bring something new and worthwhile to the party?

Get Satchel from Steel Panther in :D

I would hire Phil X for Rock songs, Slash for Rock + Slow Ballads and Santana for slow song. I thing this trio could make some good stuff for next Bon Jovi album.

And Bobby?

Wait, I am not Jon Bon Jovi?

jimmy stafford