I sincerely hope that all members of this fine forum understand what a brilliant musician and incredible individual Richie is. Without question he is one of the most underrated touring musicians in the world, but only by the public, not within professional musician circles. When Richie came out with his solo album “Stranger in This Town”, in 1991, I stated as a young teen that his new album, which was an unbelievable showcase of his tremendous versatility and incredible soul, would be just as incredible in 20 years.

That was over 14 years ago and Stranger is still to this day an incredible defining piece of work. I remember when Stranger came out in Sept. ’91, after listening to it, my very first thought was that I wished Stevie (Stevie Ray Vaughan) was still alive to hear what Richie had accomplished. SRV would have been very impressed and I’m sure contacted Richie. Stevie Ray was just that kind of individual. And had the situation happened, I knew from that day forward Richie would never let Jon put him down again, use him for a personal stepping stone, or consider Richie just “hired help.” FYI, Stranger came out 1 year & 1 week after Stevie’s tragic death.

I don’t want to see Bon Jovi break up, but I sincerely hope Richie moves on and captures the greatest he richly deserves. I know Richie is making staggering sums of money with Bon Jovi, but he has to define his legacy, and it will never happen “working for Jon”.

PS: I also hope in the short-term, when Jon and Richie are fussing again, that without warning, during a concert, Richie moves to the front of the stage and breaks into one of his incredible and masterful solos (that Jon never lets the fans witness). No talk, no nothing, Richie just does it, leaves the crowd in an awed and smoldering heap, and let’s Jon know who the real master musician is on the stage. - End of Story.