Originally Posted by JackieBlue

It's so much more than the technical aspect of Richie's style of playing and his vocals that's missing, though God knows, that would be enough. I think Jon depended on Richie a lot more than people realize for sharing the load every show. Richie was his side man, his straight man - I can't think of the right term, but like the Gracie Allen to his George Burns minus the comedy element. He played off of Richie. It helped ease the load of carrying the whole show by himself. If nothing else, it gave him something to look at besides the front row, without turning his back on the audience. And he also knew that when (if) his voice gave out, Richie was there to pick up the slack, either taking over the vocals or distracting from them with the harmonies. He didn't even have to say anything, because Richie watched him like a hawk and he knew when he was struggling.

And no, even if they could resolve whatever went wrong, and Richie were to come back, it won't restore Jon's voice to what it was anymore than it would probably restore Richie's playing to what it was. But I think it might restore some of the confidence and, therefore, some of the showmanship that's missing. And the joy.

JMO