I understand that there's a certain chemistry and tone and emotion that Richie brings. Sure, I get that.

But do you actually want a guy back to just put on an act and just not want to be there?

Phil X has brought so much fresh and new energy to the stage, that some of you who seem to have their heads up Richie's ass are just flatly ignoring.

Phil has better stage presence and energy than Richie. Richie will bend his knees back a bit and look down at his guitar with a bit of a "lost in the music" face occasionally, but that's about the extent. He doesn't say much and he doesn't really move from his spot. At all. Phil on the other hand is moving around the stage and is truly enjoying himself out there. Just watch Keep The Faith from Bulgaria.

Phil is a phenomenal guitar player and actually IS better than Richie. He can play anything Richie can, but with style and fun. Back in Richie's hayday anyone could argue that Richie would be better, because he probably was. But after listening to his recent solo album, I've realised Richie just doesn't have it anymore.

In the end, the shows won't lack without Richie. The same songs will be played, the same rarities will be played, BUT there will be more energy. Jon still feels like he needs to bring more to stage because Richie isn't there, AND Phil undoubtedly brings tonnes more energy to the stage than the motionless guitar player known as Richie Sambora.

I get it though. Bon Jovi is a BAND. Bon Jovi is a UNIT. Not a GUY. But let's be honest. When was the last time Bon Jovi was a BAND? Jon has the team by their balls and everyone admits that they're hired by Jon. That doesn't sound like a BAND, that sounds like a bunch of hired guns. And to see how easily the second hardest member of the band was to replace, I'd say that this has been a solo act for quite some time now. The way Jon handles himself, how he conducts everything and how he treats it like a dictatorship. A band is a democracy, with 4 (or 5,6,7... whatever) equal parts to make a great piece. Bon Jovi is not that and IS a solo act.

I use to hate it when people called Bon Jovi a guy. "Oh you like Bon Jovi? Yeah he's great!" used to bother me a lot. Now I find myself not caring and more or less agreeing with the statement. So suck it up and go to the damn shows. You're going for Jon. I know it, you know it - just admit the damn thing.