I suppose you never saw him play I'll Be There For You with the extra solo's, or Dry County with the different solo? If you mean more like the newer songs, well I think Jon probably wrote some of the solo's, I know he did for a couple of songs on Bounce. I don't know much about guitars, I don't know what is technically good playing but the show I was at Richie was awesome. He had a broken shoulder and a lot of personal stuff to go through this year but he went out night after night and played. I don't really listen to a wide range of bands so don't know how other guitarists are, but I think Richie seems to put a lot into his playing than just hitting notes, really feeling it, especially in I'll Be There For You.

As for attacking his weight, he can hardly be considered fat. So he has a bit of a belly, not everyone in the world, especially at his age, has a 'perfect' body, and I'd imagine a broken shoulder and other things to be doing, not to mention touring, makes it difficult to get as much exercise.