I totally agree with Dominik, it was a hell of a show. I am a really huge fan of Richie, he is the reason I picked up the guitar a long time ago and I really thought about selling my tickets for Munich and Cologne because I couldn't see the point in going to those shows without Richie. At the end of the day I went to do my girlfriend a favour because after her first shows in 2011 (Munich and Mannheim) she was really excited to see them this tour again. And now I'm glad that I attended those shows. Even as a Richie-die-hard I have to say: Nobody missed him in Cologne! Sure he also would have given the performance some special nuances. But the audience was on fire, the band was on fire and the setlist was just about to burst. Just like Dominik said! I'm with you, my brother
Sure Phil's guitar playing wasn't a 100% copy of Richie's style. But he played his ass off and did a fantastic job. The longer he tours with them, the more he gets Richies spirit to the songs. To me, Wild Is The Wind was his Bon Jovi masterpiece. First time live on stage and he nailed the intro like he played it forever. Hats off! Find me somebody else who has the cojones to fill in for one of the best live bands on the planet and do one rarity after another.
Sure all those oldies don't sound like back in the 80s. But who gives a f***? These guys aren't 25 either
Here are some of my vids:
I'd die for you:
Last Man Standing
Living In Sin
Wild Is The Wind
Love's The Only Rule
This Ain't A Lovesong