Wikipedia

Alec John Such

Alexander John Such (November 14, 1951 – June 5, 2022) was an American musician,[1] singer and record producer. Best known as the bassist of the rock band Bon Jovi from 1983 to 1994,[2] he played on their first five albums.[3]

Alec John Such
Birth nameAlexander John Such
Born(1951-11-14)November 14, 1951
Yonkers, New York, U.S.
DiedJune 5, 2022(2022-06-05) (aged 70)
Aynor, South Carolina, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
  • record producer
Instruments
  • Bass guitar
  • vocals
Years active
  • 1980–1994
  • 2001
  • 2018
Labels
Formerly ofBon Jovi

Such was of Hungarian and German descent. Such started his musical career in the New Jersey band Phantom's Opera, who performed both covers and original songs.[4] In the early 1980s he also played in the hard rock band Message, which included guitarist Richie Sambora.[5] During this time Such also managed the Hunka Bunka Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, where he booked Jon Bon Jovi & the Wild Ones.[6] He was asked to join Jon Bon Jovi's band in 1983.[7] Bon Jovi's first manager, Peter Mantas, credits much of the classic Bon Jovi lineup to Alec's connections in the local music scene: "Without Alec, there would not have been Tico [Torres], who he had played with in Phantom's Opera, and there wouldn't have been Richie."[8]

Such announced in 1994 that he would not play on the band's next album, citing Jon Bongiovi's criticism of his bass playing, but said that he would still tour with the band.[9] He was let go from the band later that year.[10] Such's departure from Bon Jovi was the band's first major lineup change. He was replaced by Hugh McDonald,[11] who had played on the original version of the Bon Jovi single "Runaway" before joining officially.[12][13] It was reveal later on in a document "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story" that, apart from his musical abilities, his problems with drugs and alcohol also contributed to his dismissal apart.[14]

After departing Bon Jovi, Such ended his career as a performing artist, stating in 2000, "I don't miss being in a band; I don't want any of that. I want to meet people and if they don't believe I was in Bon Jovi, I won't care. I don't think I've picked up a guitar since I left the band."[15] He remained involved in the music industry behind the scenes during the 1990s as a manager for bands such as Chicago-based 7th Heaven.[7][16] Such made a guest appearance at a Bon Jovi show at Giants Stadium in 2001 where he performed with the band on one song. (Wanted Dead Or Alive)[7]

With Bon Jovi, Such was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.[17] He played onstage with them for the last time as part of the induction ceremony, and also known as the last time that the band's original line-up playing together.

Raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Such was a longtime resident of Colts Neck Township, New Jersey, where he kept many music artifacts in his home.[15]

Death

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On June 5, 2022, around 2:15 AM, Such woke up at his South Carolina home to use the bathroom. On his way back to bed, he called out to a friend who was staying with him. The friend helped Such get back into bed and then left the room. When the friend came back later to check on him, Such was found dead due to a heart attack at the age of 70.[18][19]

References

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  1. ^ "Alec John Such: Former Bon Jovi bassist dies aged 70". BBC News. June 6, 2022.
  2. ^ Angermiller, Michele Amabile (June 5, 2022). "Alec John Such, Bon Jovi's First Bassist, Dies at 70". Variety.com. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  3. ^ "Alec John Such, Bon Jovi's Founding Bassist, Dead at 70". Rolling Stone. June 5, 2022.
  4. ^ Alec John Such Interview 1987, retrieved December 28, 2022
  5. ^ Bauer Media Group (January 24, 2022). Jon Bon Jovi.
  6. ^ "Alec John Such Dies: Bassist And Founding Member In Bon Jovi Was 70". Yahoo.com. June 5, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  7. ^ a b c Daniels, Neil (2009). Bon Jovi encyclopaedia. Internet Archive. New Malden, Surrey, UK : Chrome Dreams. pp. 242–245. ISBN 978-1-84240-484-3.
  8. ^ Jordan, Chris. "Bon Jovi's early years in Sayreville, Asbury Park: A look back". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  9. ^ "Bassist's Instinct!". RAW Magazine. No. 154. July 20, 1994. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  10. ^ Alec John Such - Behind the music, retrieved December 28, 2022
  11. ^ "Former Bon Jovi bassist, founding member Alec John Such dies". Los Angeles Times. June 5, 2022.
  12. ^ "3 Famous Bands with A "Silent Partner"". November 4, 2013.
  13. ^ "The Official Site of Hugh McDonald". Huey-mcdonald.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2010. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  14. ^ https://umusic.co.nz/originals/thank-you-goodnight-the-bon-jovi-story
  15. ^ a b Cotter, Kelly-Jane. "The Spoils of Rock 'n Roll", Home News Tribune, May 14, 2000. Accessed June 7, 2022, via Newspapers.com. "'I made my money during the era of "He who dies with the most toys wins," ' says Alec John Such, right, who grew up in Perth Amboy and now lives in Colts Neck."
  16. ^ "7TH HEAVEN". MetalMusicArchives.com. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  17. ^ "Alec John Such, a founding member of Bon Jovi, dies at 70". NPR. June 5, 2022.
  18. ^ "Bon Jovi Bassist Alec John Such Asked Friend for Help Before Death, Died Of Natural Causes". TMZ. June 7, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  19. ^ "JBJ Statement on Sirius Bon Jovi Radio About Alec's Passing". Instagram.com. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
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