LOS ANGELES — Alec John Such, a founding member Bon Jovi, has passed away at 70. Jon Bon Jovi posted the news on Sunday via social media. The cause of death has not been revealed.
Bon Jovi wrote, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Alec John Such,” He was an original. Alec, a founding member Bon Jovi was crucial to the formation the band. To be truthful, we met through him. He was a childhood friend to Tico [Torres] who brought Richie [Sambora] along to see us perform. Alec was full of life and wildness. These special memories bring a smile on my face today and a tear to mine. We will be missing him deeply.”
John Such was born in Yonkers (New York) on November 14, 1951. He played in an earlier band, The Message. Before joining Bon Jovi, he also played in Sambora. John Such managed the Hunka Bunka Ballroom, Sayreville, New Jersey, in the 1980s. He booked Jon Bon Jovi and The Wild Ones there, realizing the potential of a young artist on a mission.
John Such introduced Torres, Sambora, and Bon Jovi to the band. Bon Jovi also brought in David Bryan, his childhood friend, who was a member of Atlantic City Expressway’s earlier band. “Slippery when Wet,” the band’s third album, would sell 12 million copies. “New Jersey,” its sequel, was a hit with even more songs.
John Such stated to The Asbury Park Press that “the record company used lie about my age.” In 2000. “I was 31 when my band joined. I was about 10 years older than most of the other members of the band. My sister got mad when the papers called her my older sister, but she was actually younger.
John Such was a member of the band until his departure from it in 1994. Hugh McDonald became an official member in 2016 and replaced him with bassist John Such.
He said that he started getting burned out at the age of 43. It felt like work and I didn’t want to do it. “I didn’t want work so I joined a band.”
Bon Jovi, at the time in 1994 compared Such’s departure with that of Bill Wyman from The Rolling Stones.
“They just grew and changed. It’s understandable. Just because I want to keep making records doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone else should,” Bon Jovi stated.
John Such was present when the band was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2018 and gave an inspiring speech.
He said, “When Jon Bon Jovi called and asked me to join his band, many years ago,”
He said, “These guys were the best. We shared so many wonderful times together, and wouldn’t have been here without them. They are my best friends and I will always love them.
The band shared the video of his speech with a montage John Such to John Such’s signature song “Blood on Blood”, which he would sometimes sing at live shows.
