tico obviously believed in jon, in the band and probably had a great time with the guys, he was really close with alec and probably with the rest as well...he obviously took a shot, he left a band with discography and followed a youngs man vision, in an old interview he also stated that this was the main reason why he divorced with his first wife. i didnt know the ozzy story, i ve read that blackmoore proposed a collaboration with rainbow...both situations are really great opportunities, if tico had took the chance he could probably work with them in the studio as well if they were satisfied, they obviously had seen sth to propose in the first place...
richie believed in himself and i remember reading many interviews where he kept talking about solo career etc even after new jersey,...richie obvious wanted to sing and be a frontman. these days though acts like bj hold him down etc while the truth is that richie made his best work with bj and not alone, he recently tweeted he cant stop writing songs...i want to hear richies solo work but i feel sad when he puts down jon and the guys,.
bon jovi were never cool, lets be honest, they were always seen as corny, unoriginal, good looking guys...many people now like the hits but few realise how brilliant they were live, how good some of their songs are, how good musicians they were by the "rock"standards with blues and a few funky elements, and imo that they made some brave decisions that noone gives them credit...having said all that its a bit sad realising that richie and david, 2 of the main guys dont feel totally happy with the outcome, with their legacy etc and that makes me feel they are there for the money some times...
jon is a very good songwriter and deserves more credit, richie is gifted but need guidance and a frontman like jon to shine imo and david, i m sorry but i dont think he is that talented, he sure can play and sing but i havent listen one good song from him...he is a great keyboard player i just dont think he had so many things to give and the guys didnt use him in the writing process...