Alec John Such, the bassist, and a founding member, of Bon Jovi has passed away. He was 70.
On Sunday, the group announced the passing of Such, the bassist for the New Jersey band from 1983 to 1994. There were no details available on the cause or manner of Such’s death. The publicist for Jon Bon Jovi did not immediately respond to messages.
Bon Jovi posted a tweet on Twitter saying that Alec was “an original.” Alec, a founding member Bon Jovi was crucial to the formation the band.
Bon Jovi gave credit to Such for bringing together the band, noting that he was a childhood friend and drummer Tico Torres’ guitarist. He also brought Richie Sambora, guitarist and songwriter, to the show. Sambora had previously played in a band called Message with Such.
Born in Yonkers, New York, Such was an experienced figure in the vibrant New Jersey music scene that led to Bon Jovi’s birth. Such was the manager of the Hunka Bunka Ballroom, Sayreville, New Jersey. He booked Jon Bon Jovi and The Wild Ones before joining Bon Jovi’s band. Through the 80s, he was a Bon Jovi fan.
In 1994, such left the band and was replaced by Hugh McDonald. For the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s induction in 2018, he returned to the band.
“When Jon Bon Jovi asked me to join his band years ago, I quickly realized how serious he was. He had a vision for us all,” stated Such at the Hall of Fame Induction. “And I am only too glad to have been part of that vision.”