Will this be the last time you ever go and see Bon Jovi?
 

Simple poll really. it'd be interesting to gauge the general mood of people for Bon Jovi right now. So the question begs: This shambles of a tour. Is that it for you? The final straw? For me, unfortunately, it will be. For numerous reasons discussed on this board, the whole Bon Jovi organisation seems to be completely disillusioned with its fans - the very LOYAL fans that have paid all their wages for the past 30 years - be it in album sales, merchandise and concert tickets.

But for me enough is enough. If Richie has his own reasons for being off the tour - fine. No-one should begrudge that. But for fans that has pumped a whole life time of emotion, time and money into the band I dont think its too much to ask for a bit of honesty and clarification from the band into why this tour has been such an epic failure so far. Its a big slap in the face and we dont deserve bullshit fed to us through the Bon Jovi propaganda machine. Its utter bollocks.

Views?

There was a thread without a poll a few months ago, here it is. I voted no, I'm going to just copypaste the answer I gave last time:

Yes I realise that but that was before the shambles that has unfolded before us. A lot has happened in a few months that may have changed the minds of the people.

Not a simple poll. Should have a 3rd option involving going to see them without Richie. If Richie comes back (as much of a wanker as he is being right now) of course I'll go see them. If he doesn't, I'm not so sure.

Of course its simple. According to Matt, Bon Jovi is Bon Jovi even without Richie! Richie for me doesn't come into it. Too unreliable.

Why make a decision now? We STILL don't know what's going on, honestly. It only seems a little bit clearer, but in reality, we have no effin' clue. And that means a lot of things. It means Richie might be back in the future, or he couldn't. It means one or all of the parties involved may or may not have done wrong. It means we could have minor and/or major changes in the music, in the approach, in virtually anything... or not. New albums, everything. We just don't know. How can you decide that you're done with them without knowing the full present and future story?

No, I will still see them but only once per tour. But that was a decision I came to (or was persuaded into by the mrs :p ) with the sprog on the way. The current situation means that I think it's actually a good time to do this anyway.

I'd see them regardless of whether they are with Richie or not- For the reason that I'd support the band and all of its members, I'd see a Jon solo gig, Richie solo gig or whatever form BJ played in (A Richie-less Bon Jovi is obviously not as attractive but I'd still see it, but not spending as much).

Would I prefer Richie to be there? Hell yes, he is as much Bon Jovi as Jon is to me, but realistically, the band can be sold as a viable act without him to the general public so I don't doubt it would continue that way. I'd find it highly unlikely that Phil X would be Richie's permanent replacement- there's a big step between covering for a few months every couple of years and being a full band member- he has a lot of his own things going on that I'm sure he'd prefer to do, fat cheque not withstanding.

I'd draw the line at a Bobby Bandeira guitar masterclass though.

Yes and no. Cause my last time was in 2011 and thus it ended on a good note. I'd rather keep it that way.

The one thing I hope comes out of this mess is for Jon to have a good hard look at where the band are. Richie going has unfortunately highlighted a lot the other problems within the band. I buy tickets for every tour because its Bon Jovi, they'll put on a great show regardless, and I have hope I'll see that rarity or be there that night it they REALLY knock it out the park. Now, there is a real dark cloud hanging over the band, the whole situation has me feeling quite deflated, and I'm not sure I have any hope of my upcoming shows hitting the mark.

So for me to buy tickets for the next tour (if there is one!) it will depend on:

A) whether I see enough in the upcoming shows to keep me caring
B) an improved, "fixed" band experience by the next tour. Higher standard of album, better setlists, better fan interaction and PR
C) the band line-up. I'm a huge Richie fan, and SHOULD want him back, but right now if it turns out he is dicking us about, I'm not sure I could pay to see him there. And if he isn't there, then obviously it's a question of who will be there.

My loyalty has been severely tested, and my time and money is no longer a given for this band. I will be putting a lot more thought into whether I buy tickets or albums in future.

Well I'm planning to follow the band in Europe to their next tour (probably) or next year if there's a leg in Europe again. And also I'm thinking to go to NJ in their next tour too. So, no this isn't the end for me at least.

By the way, Richie is expected to be back in June 6th, regarding Obbie O'Brien.