Well he doesn't have to be the greatest guitar player ever... but to completely dismiss him and think of it as a joke to even include him in any kind of list, is really unfair I think.. especailly when you look at some of the other guitarists that people were putting on their lists and getting away with it.

I think it's because he doesn't get to show off as much in a band like BJ. As Dave said on the Crush tour DVD, BJ are a band that try to emote feeling as opposed to try and play their instruments faster than anyone else. Plus I think Richie has a good attitude towards music, he can play blues (helping BJ put feeling and diversity into their music), he sings well and his songwriting and overall contributions to this band have been amazing. Even if there are guys out there that can maybe play a little better in some guitar styles out there, you couldn't ask for a better guitar player than Richie.