Prove that it's health. Us assuming he has a "good reason" isn't enough reason for me, I refuse to take his side until he speaks up.

My feelings exactly. I supported Richie (not that it mattered) when he had alcohol problems, he was honest about it and so was the band.

Neither side is being honest this time. I can understand the rest of the band protecting their friend but I can't understand Richie letting this go on this long. And Jon has made it clear that the ball is in Richie's court.

Thats a great statement, but If it is/was a personal issue as in health or family health problem, thats his business and I can understand him not wanting to share it with the world, however I think we deserve a decent response and a show of friendship in the BON JOVI camp again, thats assuming he does show up.

Exactly. I'm not saying burn him at the stake but how people can throw the blame on Jon for continuing the tour without him is beyond me. Richie has done similar things the past few tours.

I don't think we're going to see him with Bon Jovi again. And if that's the case, there shouldn't be a Bon Jovi.

Jagger/Richards
Tyler/Perry
Lennon/McCartney
Plant/Paige
Bon Jovi/Sambora

None of those bands work without those combos.

Yes, but every time it was because he was seeking help. His timing has been horrible, but up until this point, he has never gone on a bender and missed a show or gotten in a fight with Jon and stormed off... for 30 years.

I'm with you... I'm not blaming anyone until I hear an explanation from Richie/the band. But up until this point, our only precedent is rehabilitation... and it very well still could be.

ya I agree to the Efiste2 about the problem of family health. It is very important and it should be no 1 in someone's ranking list.

I don't need to know details. If he is still taking care of whatever he needs to take care of, just say so. If he is planning/hoping on being back May 7th, just say so.

This really is a mystery. Theories center around Health or Conflict. If there was a Jon-Richie falling out, wouldn't Jon bring in a mediator like he did with the band in the early 90s? It was successful then and Jon has mentioned it a lot over the years.

Thats what i've been thinking - some kind of ill health to either Richie or a member of his close family.

I feel like an ass for adding the Aftermath fiasco into the equation but it left such a sour taste in my mouth that it's carried over to this. Seeking help will get him far more sympathy from fans then just walking away and expecting everyone to believe it's his own personal business. If he wasn't honest with fans during Aftermath and he's not honest now I'm low on sympathy.