Richie Sambora - Hard Times Come Easy

What this video is

Released in early 1998 as the lead single from Richie Sambora's second solo album 'Undiscovered Soul' on Island Mercury, 'Hard Times Come Easy' arrived at a moment when the mainstream rock landscape was navigating the post-grunge hangover and the rise of nu-metal. Sambora — best known as lead guitarist for Bon Jovi — used his solo platform to explore a more blues-drenched, introspective sound, drawing on classic…

Why it matters

Represents the late-90s blues-inflected arena rock solo tradition, where established band members used solo projects to signal artistic depth beyond their commercial flagship acts. The video's production language — warm tones, controlled pacing, performance authenticity — aligns with the era's…

The director

Wayne Isham (born December 2, 1958, Vinita, Oklahoma) is an American film and music video director with over 150 directorial credits. Inspired by David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes' while attending UC Santa Barbara, he rose to prominence directing arena rock acts…