Former BON JOVI Bassist Alec John Such Dies At 70

Former BON JOVI bassist and original founding member, Alec John Such, has died at the age of 70. It’s unclear how Such passed away, but the band shared the news via its social media channels.

The band shared: “We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend Alec John Such. 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 [sic] 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 tear to my eye. We’ll miss him dearly”

Such left the band in 1994 after being dismissed for unsatisfactory performances during live concerts. His quality of recordings during the Cross Road sessions ultimately led to his dismissal by Jon Bon Jovi, according to Behind The Music interviews with BON JOVI and former guitarist, Richie Sambora.

Hugh McDonald took over Such’s position as bassist, although he was never officially named a member of the group.

The band reunited with Such and Sambora during the group’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. The original five piece shared the stage together for an hour and a half, each taking turns speaking before performing four of their hits alongside the current lineup that features Hugh McDonald on bass, Phil X on lead guitar and producer John Shanks on rhythm guitar.