Don't forget we're talking about a guy with a permanent "victim syndrome". All the success is his, all the failure is somebody else's/fate. He's not the fat Elvis, he's a good guy, just overworked/betrayed by his best friend/not old, just older/etc. I wouldn't be able to look myself in the mirror if I was able to deliver 10% of what I used to. It's time to quit the touring and there's nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, it's the only right thing to do. His voice deteriorated to a point it's no longer enjoyable on any song really. Praising him for trying is only fueling his self-destructive behaviour. The guy looks as if he's literally dying on stage every night... oops, guess they are the man's own words, Richie just chose not to