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Alec Such (in June 2004)
Photo: M. Kathleen Kelly/AP
The rockers of the US band Bon Jovi mourn the loss of their former bassist Alec John Such.
The band said they were "heartbroken" at the death of their dear friend on Sunday on their website and via social media.
As a founding member, he contributed significantly to the formation of the band.
“He was a real original.
As one of the founding members of Bon Jovi, Alec was instrumental in the group's formation.
To be honest, we only found each other through him.
(...) Alec was always wild and full of life,” it said.
Nothing was initially known about the cause of death.
The musician was 70 years old.
Keyboarder David Bryan, who founded the band in 1983 with singer Jon Bon Jovi, drummer Tico Torres and guitarists Dave Sabo, Richie Sambora and Such, paid tribute to the deceased on Twitter: "It was an honor and a pleasure, the stage and life to share with you,” wrote the musician.
Such had booked the previous group Jon Bon Jovi & The Wild Ones in his capacity as manager of a club in Sayreville, New Jersey.
Later he joined as a musician himself - according to his own statements "impressed by the vision" of the front man.
Farewell in 1994 – but warm words about ex-colleagues
The band rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like "Runaway", "Livin' on a Prayer", "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Wanted Dead or Alive".
Such himself was involved in five albums, with great success.
Over the years the band has sold more than 100 million records and toured the world with great success.
Such split from the group in 1994 and was replaced by Hugh McDonald.
However, he was there in 2018 when the band Bon Jovi was inducted into the US Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
At the time he said, 'These guys are the best.
We had such a great time together (...) I love her more than anything and always will.«
jok/dpa