I was paraphrasing. You said the band sounded fine and people were having a blast at the shows despite Richie's absence. This would indicate that you think everything is okay without him.

I'm not trying to belittle anyone. I just don't like my words being taken out of context and twisted to suit your argument.

You're the one twisting words, when did I ever mention Richie?? I said they sounded good... That's it.

We were discussing the band announcing another tour without Richie. You said they sounded fine at the shows you went to which were Richie-less. Back tracking at this stage is a bit silly, no?

II would previously have thought they wouldn't, but putting these next legs on sale with people not knowing about Richie could almost be testing the viability of it. He may be back, but as far as we know he isn't so the us and Australian buyers and the other shows on sale could well be testbeds to see if they can sell Richie less shows. The only problem with those is that if he isn't back, Phil X must be highly unlikely with his kid on the way.

Always. Listen to the crowd. No wonder Jon keeps playing it, he has 20,000-30,000 people helping him sing it each night. Far from the worst performance of the song. And sorry, would love the opportunity to hear Phil X play these solos in Chicago.

I read and enjoy all these jovitalk forums.

I listened to the YouTube feed of the stream from Madrid on my iPad with decent Sennheiser headphones and the sound mix is great, vocals are perfectly acceptable for a 50 year old rock singer. This band is tight.

Listening particularly to Phil X, I truly feel he does an outstanding job with this material owned by Bon Jovi. He improves with feel and confidence at every performance. He's engaging, and obviously the other band members are enjoying and feeding off his enthusiasm.

I would agree with comments I've read before that the voice box doesn't have enough bite, and this is easily determinable when you hear it deselected and the guitar cuts through at greater clarity. Obviously it will sound differently amongst players as no mouth/teeth are the same.

Look at the news vid of the band at Prague airport to see the tedious side of fame and touring. Having worked as a roadie for Nazareth in the glory days I can tell you there's very little glamour no matter how much people covet the thought of being on the tour!

Yes, they perform a similar show each night, both music and intro's, but that's theatre. It remains all about the performance.

Music is a language, a rhythm, it strikes a chord. There's no right or wrong, it's about emotion. Every view is valid, and heartfelt. I feel the love.

This is this years band, Richie taking time out will likely re-energise him, re-energise the band, re-energise the music.

My band, The Who, have by necessity changed lineup, often. Losing Moon and Entwistle, gaining Simon Philips, Kenney Jones, Rabbit Bundrick, Zak Starkey, Simon Townshend, Pino Palladino, John Corey and Steve White and others!
If Townshend went missing and Phil X stepped in, I would still go to every gig possible, because I love those songs and there is nothing like live music, nothing!

As Phil X proves in Milan last night http://youtu.be/L_CxOepUvfw

Back tracking? your not reading what i have put, but as you obviously love to have the last word with a hint of sarcasm then its all yours!

Bounce you make a good point, we will see how the shows sell that have gone on sale after the Richie announcement, will defiantly be a good indication of how the future will pan out, if Richie does not come back into the band.

Nicely said. Thank you!! :)