Originally Posted by jdanielross

Some random thoughts that I thought I would spill onto the page because - hey - there's 1,200 pages of random thoughts …

There comes a point in everyone's life when they must take an honest look at their heroes. RS was one of mine because his playing, vocal harmonizing and songwriting have dramtically affected my life and my livelihood (I am a music worship leader at a Christian church and we play and write - more or less - a rock & roll style of music). RS basically taught me how to play guitar and how to find a vocal harmony and that has had a huge impact on my life, but the more I listen to him in interviews and really pay attention, I realize he's chasing a vapid life that will ultimately turn on him. He's the "old guy in the club." So, I feel sad for him because he was one of my heroes and it's kinda painful to see him this way (in addition to his addiction problems).

I am really disappointed in his actions over the past several years but I realize he's a mere human being and a human being will nearly always let you down in some way or another (just like I'll let down the people in my life at some point).

I realized the other day that while I still enjoy Bon Jovi's music, and always probably will, I'm following this RS drama like I would a TV show (for the drama of it all). I hope against hope that one day the band can return to the passion of the mid-90s but that's not going to happen because it's not the mid-90s anymore and times and people change. JBJ isn't the JBJ of my Yokohama bootleg circa 1996 effortlessly hitting the high notes in Prayer. RS isn't the Sambora of the 1995 European MTV Awards absolutely killing Hey God. And on and on … maybe it's best to let my memories be what they are (and still enjoy them) but stop expecting this band to fill the role they once did in my life and just enjoy what they put out and discard what I don't enjoy.

Finally, more power to Phil X. He's a solid player and he seems to be having an absolute blast. I feel happy for him that he gets to experience this level of touring at least once (something every musician dreams of) … whether it be temporary for him or not, he seems to be soaking it up and making the most of it, so, good for him. I keep hoping (against all logical thought) that his enthusiasm and good use of social media with the fans will rub off on the others, but that's not going to happen either.