Well, I'm pretty sure that this is the reason Richie quit. I know it's yesterday's news but, I'm pretty sure that's why Sambora quit the band. I'm pretty sure he wanted more artistic freedom and the return of Bob Rock instead of Shanks who ended up as a Tour member (BIG LOL). I pretty sure he didn't like where the band was going with this sound and Shanks behind it. Anyway, that's all assumptions. What happened is in the past.

Listening to When We Were Young with Richie's backing vocals is WAY better. And that says it all.