Happy New Year, all!

Becky, I honestly can't answer your question exactly as you asked it because I'd like to see Jon and Richie resolve whatever is behind the fractured band and get it back together during the coming year. I don't think there's anything unrealistic about it. They've fallen out before and put it back together, probably more often than we know, so I don't see why they couldn't do it again if they want to.

Beyond that I don't have big expectations for the band. I agree that, for me, the album is more important than the tour. As long as I like the album, I'll buy it. I have no reason to expect that I won't, because I don't have any particular expectations about what they write or record. I haven't been disappointed, songwise, with anything they've released to date. I'd miss Richie's harmonies, though, if he doesn't come back. They were so significant that, in some cases, the songs almost became duets; and I missed that on Burning Bridges.

As for touring, I've never gone way out of my way to see them live. I generally refuse to pay the ridiculous prices they charge for close seating; and if I'm going to have to watch them on a video screen anyway, I'd much rather do it from the comfort of my home. If Richie comes back I might consider it, but without him there, there's no way.