Richie didn't give up on music! I'm damn sure he will be on stage as long as he can play the guitar. Whatever issues are hindering the release of his solo album, he's still very much there on stage doing gigs and jamming with friends. I've read countless stories of band members leaving and reuniting with their old bands but they were never out of work. Thank God for Richie's solo stuff, I'm forever grateful for the music.