if bobby reacted like this then it was time to go... i think in a way bobby initiates some bad things for the band even if he isnt responsible...undermining richies position, making him feel less important after 20 years of career. with these touring musicians the sound was fuller, especially the vocals but it started not tobe a gang in a way, when you are 3-4-5 you have to stick together...i m sure jon dave and tico are closer than ever these last years..his style of guitar playing wasnt my cup of tea, and started playing 2-3 solos every show...songs he hadnt wrote and couldnt do justice live. anyway i dont really like shanks but he is an improvement as a stage figure, guitar player.
the new guy jon plays seems like perfectly capable. bobby is a good musician but butchered bjs music most of the time. in fact it surprises me how nicely he played in destination anywhere and how uninspired his rest guitar work with bj was.