Ok : two underwhelming shows into the tour which at the moment seems no different to The Circle tour with the exception of What About Now songs in the set instead of Circle songs.

Set lists are unimaginative at this early juncture (is that to do with 'American' crowds?), song placings within the setlists are odd and song choices are odd. The energy & enthusiasm for the live arena also seems to have gone.

The band are at a total crossroads with their live gigs (pun intended).

I think they have to sit down and honestly work out who they want to play for. Are they playing for the fans, the casuals or themselves?

They don't seem that enthused so I don't think they are playing for themselves anymore. They don't seem to have the courage to say that they just don't want to play certain songs anymore. Surely Jon in his heart of hearts never wants to sing 'bad medicine' ever again!!??

They aren't playing for the fans because we could list a ton of songs that we know would go down a storm with the repeat attendees / die hard fans & they aren't being played.

And so we come back to the conclusion that Jon first aired in the WWWB documentary that they are playing to the casuals. But I'm not even sure they are - do the casuals want to hear 4 songs from Lost Highway????

Live : the band are in a mess.

I wish Jon had the courage of his convictions to do a Springsteen and open up the whole of his back catalogue for inclusion live. Springsteen very much takes the stance of 'well, if you don't know the song, that's your look out'. Often with an unfamiliar song the strength of a band performance can carry it off anyway.

They need to tour with all bets off aside from the inclusion of 6-7 new songs and the core unit of :

Bad Name
Prayer
Wanted
Keep the Faith
It's My Life
Have a Nice Day

That's a recognisable hit one in every 4 songs.

Stick :

Always
I'll be there For You (or Bed of Roses)
In These Arms
Bad Medicine

In and that's 10 songs out of 25. Add 6-7 new ones and thats 17 songs leaving 8 for the die hards. 8 : Not Lost Highway songs but interesting stuff that would excite long time followers of the band heres my 8 :
Only Lonely
Wild is the Wind
Dry County
Something to Believe in
Hey God
One Wild Night or Bounce
I Am
Loves the Only Rule

Surely that's not too much to ask? And its enough for the casuals - a lazy greatest hit song ever 2-3 songs but also leaves enough space for the more die hard fan.

If I am going to a gig of a band that I only own a greatest hits package for I wouldn't expect to know every song that comes along, why does Jon pander to that fan?

I just don't think the band are happy anymore. When I saw Richie in London last October he played with more fire & enthusiasm than I've seen in years because it was new, different etc.
Its their own fault, they should be more selfish and play stuff THEY want to play, let the performances carry them through.