Are Bon Jovi recording right now?

It really seemed odd which to me indicates that the decision wasn't made until later on. Even in interviews supporting the album Jon initially said that there were 3 official members, him, Tico and Dave. Whatever the future holds and whenever they start making new music I would think Phil would be more involved, at the very least playing lead on the songs. But again, they all seem to love THINFS so, they might retain that recording way. As much as I love House, I really wanted more of a change, which is why I want a new producer on the next album.

I think one reason Phil and Hugh were made official members was to close the idea that Richie will be back one day. It sends a clear message to the fans that everyone but the fans have moved on from the conflict/controversy/situation--however you choose to view permanent changes. Jon was clearly hurt badly by Richie's exit and he has also, it appears, come to accept it and move on. The whole band has.

Becky, I understand your reasoning but never say never. I've been following a lot of bands and things happened nobody would bet on.

Never Say Never is correct. After all, hell did freeze over and the Eagles toured again. GnR is currently touring. Phil Collins is currently touring after he retired. I just hope if they do get back together it's because they have mended fences and not because they are chasing a paycheck.

Ditto! Who knows what's going behind closed doors anyway. Let's hope for the best

Bon Jovi without Richie is less special, sounds more boring to me, and with Shanks still as producer there is nothing new under the sun. Of course I want new music and no matter what, but if Jon moved away from Shanks and create new songs with a different approach with another producer, it would be the beginning of something exciting.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I would bet serious money Richie will be back at some point. Not because he needs the money, but because he was playing to packed arenas/stadiums for 25 years and now he can't fill an attic. He'll wake up one day and say "What in the blue hell am I doing?" And Jon will take him back because he's not a damn fool.

Yup.

When it happens, Jon's voice will be even shittier and they'll be even more of a nostalgia act. Plus, this will have no impact on the direction or quality of the studio albums. But it will happen.

Sounds exciting, can't wait

Of course Richie will be back one day. Bon Jovi is a to big part of his life to leave it for good. I think both he and Jon knows the split is not forever, Richie just needs some time to prove to himself he can do it himself.

The sad part, as Walleris stated, is that Jon's voice (probably) won't come back just because Richie returns. Not matter if Richie was in the form of his life it won't change the fact that all attempts of playing older songs will sound horrible. It is just like Kiss. Even though Ace Frehley would return and deliver the classic Kiss guitar sound, it won't change the fact that Kiss is just awful live because of Paul Stanley's voice is shot. A quite depressing truth in that sense.