New Studio Album - Forever

So first will be the new album, interesting. Very curious to hear Jon's voice, both in the studio and live.

I hope Tico either only tells the truth or nothing's correct about it. If the first was the case, then the tour would be with Richie. Probably a bit of comedy with two trying to handle what they once did best, but at least nostalgia

I wouldn't count on Richie being involved with anything current of the band. Not album or tour! The only thing I could envision Jon accepting Richie's presence at all would be with a new boxed set/documentary. And it would be akin to Jason Newstead's presence with Metallica's black album anniversary reissue....

I agree. I think Richie is burnt out and has lost a large part of his natural talents. It's sad to see him go down this path. He's not the Richie Jon needs to bail him out anymore.

If they do something for the 40th anniversary, I think he could be involved with something soft like an Interview or maybe even contributing to a few track in the box set (if that even happens at this point) but there is no way he could handle a tour without Phil.

I think Phil would be utilized to assist Richie on a tour. Not in case Richie doesn't show but to cover his parts. If Richie was to tour it would be just for fanfare. He's just too much of a loose cannon.

I thought a lot about in what controversial way Jon and Richie parted ways. As much as I would love those going back to making music together again, I have my doubts that this is ever going to happen. Of course I'm looking forward to hear some new BJ music very soon and I would love for them to release a real rock record again.

It's not controversy that's stopping them from doing that. To be fair, they hit that territory in 2020 with Brothers in Arms and it showed his vocals can support a full album like that.

i find it extremely sad that Richie is not allowed back...
1. He can still play and with a couple of shows i m sure he d be shredding
2. he said he has a folder full of songs for jon and jon doesnt bother
3. there were obviously talks of a comeback and for some reason looks like they fall apart
4. imo BJ are Richie as well, since he cowrote all these songs and wants back i dont get the whole drama, i find it frustrating that my favorite band, has now Shanks as a guitarist and he plays Richies parts while Richie wants back...
i truly cant comprehent that at all...
imagine Mick taking out Keef for beeing a laibility..
5. we ll never know the whole story but in order to protect your legacy you must honor the founding members...without Richies guitar style and vocals the songs would never be the same!!!!

Last, its also furstrating having an unknown fan like Jerry spreading the word about BJ and Richie not coming back...

But if there's no bad blood between Richie and Jon: Why the did the talks for a reunion apparently fell apart? Phil X is a good guitarist but Richie
Was always more than that: Iconic guitar parts and his contributions for the song writing of the band. BJ isn't the same anymore for me since he left

I didn't say there's no bad blood, I said the controversy isn't what's stopping a reunion. I absolutely think there's some bad blood.

Have you seen him play lately? Have you heard him sing lately? Let's stop pretending he's going to improve the quality of the band by coming back. I firmly think the current incarnation sound tighter than with Richie coming back. That's not to say what I/people would prefer or what will sound more like the band used to, but there's enough physical concrete evidence showing his playing isn't as consistently good as it used to be.

Does it really matter he has a folder of songs for Jon? Jon can't sing 'em and can barely get through the one he's written for himself. The world had no interest in the band's recording material for a handful of years before Richie bolted, will they care if he comes back?

I fear they waited too long for a reunion.