Well to be honest I think the only way to even guess at a question like that is to look at Jon and Richie’s respective solo stuff. To be honest, and not wanting to offend anyone, I’ve always thought of Richie as being a better singer, was more “Rock” and had a lot of his influences from harder edged and more bluesy bands than Jon. For that reason I reckon that a band fronted by Richie would have had more success in the 80’s than a band fronted by Jon without Richie (If that makes sense). That said Jon is a natural showman but without Richie I’d imagine his music would be a bit more old style rock and closer to Southside Johnny than the power of the Slippery tracks.

It’s hard to say though, “Stranger” to my mind is an amazing CD and I’ve no idea why it wasn’t a commercial success, but in essence it was just Bon Jovi without Jon, it probably would have gone down well in an earlier market. Jon’s solo stuff on DA took a bit of getting used to and really was lacking balls (although Bobby Bandiera did make the live version of “it’s just me” damn good) but I guess that’s not a fair comparison as he wasn’t playing with David and Tico and Hugh al la Richie so maybe that would have influenced the sound more.

Controversial as it may be, I’d bet Bon Jovi wouldn’t have enjoyed the same level of success without Richie and in fact, may have been less damaged if they’d formed without Jon…

(Ducks flying crockery and flames)