Bon Jovi has added New Jersey based guitarist Matt O'Ree to his touring line up, replacing Bobby Bandiera, who had been with the group since 2005.
Jersey Shore station WRAT announced the news, posting on Facebook, "The Rat wants to send out a hearty congrats to our local guitar hero Matt O'Ree. Matt has been signed on as the new guitar player for Bon Jovi as they tour Europe and other far lands. Congrats Matt! You deserve it big time! Couldn't have happened to a nicer or more deserving guy. It helps that Matt can play his ass off!"
O'Ree began right away, taking the stage for the band's September 11 concert in Jakarta, Indonesia. The band are currently on tour in South Asia and the Middle East.
In 2013, BJ had to replace lead guitarist Richie Sambora with Phil X.
In 2006, O'Ree won the Guitarmageddon "King of the Blues" contest hosted by B.B. King and John Mayer in conjunction with Guitar Center.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Entertainment News
April 17, 2026 15:29 ET The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to raise concerns for policymakers who worry about the impact of the supply shock and high energy prices on the real economy. Producer price data and various survey results on the housing market were the main news from the U.S. this week. In Europe, industrial production data for the euro area gained attention. GDP figures out of China and the policy move by the Singapore central bank were in focus in Asia.