Bon Jovi’s first bassist and founding member Alec John Such, has died at the age of 70. His group Bon Jovi had announced a few hours ago on their official social media handle.
“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,” the message said.
Such was vital to bringing the iconic rock group together, the statement said.
“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,” the message said.
Bon Jovi was formed in 1983 and has had hits with songs including “Livin’ On a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.”
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Yonkers, New York-born Such was a veteran figure in the thriving New Jersey music scene that helped spawn Bon Jovi. As manager of the Hunka Bunka Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, Such booked Jon Bon Jovi & The Wild Ones before joining the singer-songwriter’s band. He played with Bon Jovi through the group’s heyday in the 1980s.
Such departed the band in 1994, when he was replaced by bassist Hugh McDonald. He later rejoined the band for its induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.