He knew that Richie wouldn't be back. Richie hoped to be back in July, yet Jon has not spoken to him since April, so yes they sold tix knowing he would not be there for the rest of the tour.

Or Richie SAID (and not too convincingly) that he hoped to be back in July. Who knows if that's the truth either.

Sorry, but once Richie left the tour, anyone that bought tickets did so with the knowledge that he wasn't currently with the band and with absolutely no guarantee from the BJ camp that he would be there at any time on this tour. The only one that said anything about him being there on any given leg after he left was Richie himself.

But Jon never said he would be back. Read all his comments on the subject and all he said was it's up to Richie. He never once said that Richie will be back. So they sold the tickets and it was up to the fans to buy them or not. Not up to Jon.

Well the article said he hasn't spoken to him.

Touche. I guess I figured that meant all modes of conversation but who knows...

The interview had to have been done after October 12. That's the date of the Las Vegas wedding and concert.

Good point. It can't be good if they really haven't spoken all this time.

It seemed like they made some digs at each other through the media. Whatever happened I think it was personal, which would explain why they haven't spoken for so long. We as fans will probably never know even half of the story.

Exactly. The tour must go on. I have no gripe about the shows being sold after Richie had left. because people had choice. And there was no pretense that he'd be back. My gripe is with Richie bailing mid way through way after people had bought tickets