Alec John, Bon Jovi’s Original Bassist Passed Away At 70

Alec John Such, the bassist and founding member of Bon Jovi, has passed away at the age of 70. Jon Bon Jovi confirmed the news on social media Sunday. The cause of death is still unknown.

Jon Bon Jovi posted a tweet that read:

“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 him — He was a childhood friend of Tico [Torres] and brought Richie [Sambora] to see us perform. Alec was always wild and full of life. Today these special memories bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. We will miss him dearly.”

Such is born in Yonkers, New York in 1951 and played in a band called Phantom’s Opera before joining Bon Jovi in 1983 and stayed with them until 1994. After he departed from the band, Such was later replaced by Hugh McDonald.

The original bassist played with Bon Jovi on the band’s first five albums and contributed to hits like “Livin’ On a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Bad Medicine,” and “Keep the Faith,” among many others.

Such was reunited with Bon Jovi when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. He joined his former bandmates on stage and spoke fondly of his time with his band mates, saying:

“When Jon Bon Jovi called me up and asked me to be in his band many years ago, I soon realized how serious he was and he had a vision that he wanted to bring us to. And I’m only too happy to have been a part of that vision.

“These guys are the best. We had so many great times together and we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for those guys. Love them to death and always will.”