This might be a bit of a difficult exercise for some. But forget about the fact that you were 'screwed over' and had to see the Jove with a session guitarist instead of the King Swing. Forget all the name calling and the bitching in that monster thread. Forget that it could have been handled differently - like say - given people notice before they bought tickets and so on.

...well, if you can, then answer the question in the title.

Richie leaving - was it the right thing to do? For himself? Maybe even for the future of Bon Jovi?

My answer is simple and straight forward. Hell yes!
These clips that are coming out now are the most exciting thing to come out from the BJ camp since they started playing Dry County regularly again. There's so much energy in there. And simply the fact that Richie is jamming with other class musicians...like Alice Cooper or Stevie Wonder, that's exactly what he needed. Also - it's quite clear that he needed some time to find some passion for music again. Do some horrendous fashion line with some stupid blonde. But who cares, if the result is a Richie Sambora fully switched on wanting to play better than he's done in years - than YES! It was the right decision.

This topic may be premature. But even if Richie returns to Bon Jovi - this will have a positive influence on the band. No doubt about it. There's no way things are going to be the same. And as Jon said: 'God forbid it was the Edge'...well, maybe Richie brings back some Edge from playing with these guys alone. If not and he focusses just on a solo career I'll still be happy. Jon's voice has become insufferable for me. I simply can't listen to him anymore and just having Richie play the guitar parts wouldn't do it.

The ideal outcome is the two of them get back together in a couple of years when Jon has worked on his voice and Richie has fought of his demons and they give us a couple of kick ass records and tours. Yes. That would be the dream outcome. And the fact that Richie left the way he did makes this a lot more plausible than had he stayed.


Right - lots of stuff to read. But the conclusion is - I am super happy this whole fiasco has happened! Lost the money I paid for one ticket - but hell, well worth it in the longer run.