Bon Jovi Founding Bassist, Alec John Such, Dies

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Original Bon Jovi band (l-r): Richie Sambora, Alec John Such, Jon Bon Jovi, Tico Torres & David Bryan

Alec John Such, the founding bassist for Bon Jovi, has died at age 70. The band announced his passing on their social media platforms today (June 5, 2022). Neither the cause of death nor the location was revealed. John Such was one of six members of the band selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. The others were David Bryan, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres and Hugh McDonald.

“We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend Alec John Such,” Jon Bon Jovi’s statement read. “He was an original. As a founding member of Bon Jovi, Alec was integral to the formation of the band. To be honest, we found our way to each other thru him. He was a childhood friend of Tico and brought Richie to see us perform.

“Alec was always wild and full of life. Today those special memories bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye.

“We’ll miss him dearly.”

John Such was born on November 14, 1951, in the New York City suburb of Yonkers. He and Sambora were one-time bandmates and when John Such served as manager at a club in Sayreville, New Jersey, he booked a band that Jon Bon Jovi fronted. The seeds were sown for the formation of Bon Jovi, the band, in 1983.

John Such was significantly older than the rest of his bandmates and departed the group in 1994. Several of his former bandmates also paid tribute to him when they learned of his passing.

RIP my soul brother…. It was an honor and pleasure to share the stage and to share life with you….. 😎❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/KgibUECjmA

— David Bryan (@dbdavidbryan) June 5, 2022

Hugh McDonald wrote, “Godspeed Alec John Such. Personally, one of the high points of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction was reconnecting with Al. He was one of a kind, a true piece of work. God Bless you Alec.”

John Such was the first member of the band to speak at their 2018 induction and gave a lovely speech filled with gratitude. “I am only too happy to have been a part of [Jon’s] vision.”