Richie co-writes the majority of Bon Jovi's songs. He's been co-producing the songs for ages. He's one of the main driving forces of creating that "cheesey image." It isn't logical to say the "band" limits him because he's half the driving force of the band's creativity. It isn't logical assume Jon limits him becasue some of the longest and best solos Richie's done are on songs Jon wrote alone (Dry County, RSOW, Bed of Roses), so it's not Jon who's envisioning super-short solos a la "Everyday."

Maybe his heart just isn't in it for the solo CDs. 2001, 2003, and 2004 all would have been good years for him to release something, but he hasn't done it. Remember the talked about best of with some new tracks? Never happened. That would have taken such a minimal time to put together that there's no reason for it not to have come out if that's what Richie wanted to do. The "the band is holding him back" theory/excuse has worn thin.

Becky