Bon Jovi’s founding member Alec John Such has passed away at the age of 70.
Alec, one of the founding members of Bon Jovi, was the first bassist of the beloved American rock band. He was born in Yonkers, New York, in 1951.
In 1980, the rock enthusiast formed a rock band called Message alongside the likes of Dean Fasano, Richie Sambora, Simon Gannett, Bruce Foster, and Andy Rubbo.
Years later, in 1983, Alec founded Bon Jovi together with Job Bon Jovi and brought guitarist Richie Sambora and drummer Hector Juan Samuel ‘Tico’ Torres into the band. Meanwhile, Jon Bon Jovi added childhood friend and keyboard player David Bryan to the team.
In the following years, the group quickly rose to fame. After the release of their third album, Slippery When Wet, they already managed to sell 12 million copies.
John Such remained Bon Jovi’s bassist from 1983 to 1994 when bassist Hugh McDonald took his place in the band.
Alec’s death was announced on Sunday and was first reported by Variety. The page did not confirm the time or cause of death.
Following the rock icon’s passing, Bon Jovi paid a touching tribute to their long-time member and friend.
“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,” Bon Jovi’s statement read.
“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.”
Paying respects to the bassist was also the band’s keyboardist David Bryan who wrote: “RIP my soul brother… It was an honor and pleasure to share the stage and to share life with you…”
Our thoughts are with Alec’s family and friends as they grieve the loss of the rock icon.
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