I kind of agree with this. And if there is a PR game going on between the two, my money is on Jon. He is a lot smarter with the media than Richie will ever be. On the other hand, Richie can be honest to a fault whereas Jon can absolutely lie to the camera and get away with it. Jon always has the band's image and legacy in his head hence the coffee table WWWB book and documentary vs an honest portrayal.

I realize exactly what I said, and for one thing I never said that anyone bribed anybody, nor did I imply that there was a conspiracy. I suggested a theory, based on the way Pulic Relations often works. My theory is that Jon very likely has a staff whose job it is to scour the news and find opportunities to get Jon's (and the band's) image in the press and to distribute any positive messages related to that image in as many ways as they can. It's entirely possible that the same staff would, at Jon's directive, distribute any negative messages just as easily. And I may be the only one here who doesn't see Jon as a marshmallow who would just let arrows slung at him fly past without reacting, but that just doesn't fit any image I have of a man with Jon's 'have a nice day' attitude. Sorry, but contrary to popular belief, I don't look for the worst in Jon; I do, however, think he'd give as good as he gets when digs are thrown his way, even if he does it in such a way that it can be ignored by those who prefer their heroes to be of the saint variety. And for the record, that's a theory, too. ;)

The articles regarding the untimely accolades he (and/or the band) is receiving lately seem to me to accomplish both of those missions at the same time. The accompanying articles consistently point out that the BWC tour was successful and it was successful without Sambora. As I said to Becky, this isn't breaking news for anyone. None of the outlets presenting the information would be seeking out newsbytes about a tour that ended six months ago (and bringing up an irregularity that occurred almost a year and a half ago) without prompting from someone.And tbe most likely canidate for "someone" in this case would Mr. Sunshine or someone on his staff.

And yes, I also realize that it's my theory bumping up against actual words Richie is saying - although in this particular case, he didn't actually say anything about Jon, did he? And while I admit that it's reasonable to surmise that he may have been referring to Jon, since he DIDN'T actually SAY that was who he meant, doesn't that make the comparison rather theoretical on both sides?

But then I guess it's okay to theorize about Richie, since no one would DREAM of assuming the worst about him, right? :rolleyes:

Through the years it has been obvious that Jon places an extremely high value on loyalty. Richie departing the tour was (and is) a huge disloyalty. The fact that Richie stated in the summer of 2013 during a red carpet interview that they were "close to resolving things and he would be back soon" obviously wasn't the case. Jon would have a hard time forgiving Richie--and he would have some legitimate reasons to feel that way. I do hope Richie can return to Bon Jovi but I am not holding my breath.

time will heal the wounds as long as both sides stop making new bitter statements...there are many similarities with the break after new jersey, at this moment they both focus on the negatives...they ve been together for so long that its inevitable they will meet again

I'm sick of all this shit to be honest... Sat here listening to inside out and I really want to see my band touring again all as one.

It's the fans that suffer through all this, makes my year when I go to a jovi gig and I'm gutted that there is no indication of them ever getting back together not to mention another tour.

I know they can't tour every year but would be nice to hear something coming out from the band that it's not all over and we will see you all again etc.

The problem, Jackie, is that you're making shit up when it comes to the things you say Jon has said or done. Jon has said ONE thing that was objectionable since this started and that was that Edge comment. Richie has been taking digs at Jon and the band for weeks. I'm not keeping track, but saying he hates Runaway and taking a dig at the Bounce album come to mind. Also, he keeps saying, "I wrote the songs," instead of "We." Compare that to Jon having some class and thanking Richie in his Songwriter's Icon Award speech recently. He said he wrote some hits alone, but he also acknowledged that he writes in collaboration with other great writers that "make going to work fun." Richie, on the other hand, is acting like he's the mastermind behind Bon Jovi's success. Classless. Petty. Childish.

In all your posts, Jon is the villain and Richie is the victim. That's why several of us question your latest theory that Jon is personally feeding the press digs at Richie.

Perhaps, though, if you want to continue to spew your theories at us, you should take it to the No Richie on this leg of the tour thread so people can get back to talking about Dublin in this thread.

Hear hear. Not to derail the thread further but when this broke Jon was taking all sorts of shite from the media and maintained the "it's for personal reasons - you have to ask him" line. Jon was accused of screwing Richie out of money, of revising all the band contracts with Tico to jump next, abusing Richie and his parenting skills amongst other things. Not once did Jon or his PR people hang Richie out to dry over the real reason he left the tour. Not many people would or could have behaved with the class and dignity Jon did. I'm not saying he is perfect but he's a bigger man than most.

The BWC tour, whatever its faults, was the biggest tour of 2013. That in itself attracts publicity and column inches. Naturally Richie leaving will always be associated with the tour. Jon has nothing to do with those two facts being written about together.

My mom texted me this morning saying she heard on the radio that Jon and Richie "made up" and that they're open to touring together in the future.

Can anyone confirm? I haven't kept up with this drama in months.

First I've heard.

Always been a Jon fan more than a Richie fan (not that I have ever disliked Richie) but Jon actually surprised me with how well he dealt with the situation. He seemed fed up at times, sure. I would be! But the way he answered some questions and in all honesty, never really had a go at Richie was great on his behalf.

Never said he wrote anything on his own at the shows, always praised the fans for being patient and is still thanking Richie in speeches. Don't think Richie would thank Jon if he got an award in all honesty. I genuinely don't.