Jackie, I am well aware your heart won’t be broken if you can live in the mindset that you’re “getting the last word” even if reality is I’m not even paying attention to what you’re saying. I have the ability to drive past a car wreck without looking.

Becky, I enjoy debates with anyone who's interested; but I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to allow myself to be dragged into catfights because they are senseless and unbecoming. It seems like you have been doing your very damnedest to turn this into one, and quite frankly, I'm no more interested now than I was in the 8th grade. So, please, do us all a favor: Go find another cat to scratch and spit at, and quit trying to disrupt every positive discussion on this thread by stirring shit up. You've made it quite clear that you aren't interested in Richie or RSO, but it's beginning to look like you can't stand for anyone else to be either.

I was actually surprised when I pulled the numbers, as best without Soundscan I can. Maybe the people who are not interested, maybe commented before just aren't saying anything because I'm seeing more positive about the second EP than the first.

Rise charted on ITunes in 9 countries (top 100 is all reported): UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Australia and Brazil. At least 1 day in each, 4 in Australia. Now somewhere on the thread I listed the positions and days there, and the translation from Digital sales data to what that position means in sales. Obviously it takes more downloads to chart in the US than France. I know it is I Tunes chart so other sources out there but the digital sales includes all so "assume" similar positions.

Making History has only charted on the same chart in 3 countries: Spain, Australia and UK. One day in Spain and UK with 2 in Australia. Rise didn't return after the first few days to any chart except Spain so I don't expect it to return here - based on history (no pun intended).

Maybe more sales went via their web page for the early Christmas song and I doubt they report. But - doesn't look like this is selling as well as the first. I expected the HOF press to move some attention.

I think the reason we are seeing less comments this time is that there is less to be negative about. It's a much stronger EP and the constantly negative army don't have much to say...

Last time the website version came after the iTunes, Spotify etc, so people would have gone there first (I know I did) and then discovered later in the day that it was with a bonus track on the website.

This time they did pre-orders in advance and gave away the extra song, so I would imagine that the majority went with the RSO site instantly this time...again, that's what I did

I just think no one cares....

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You don't care. There's a difference...

Those that do are happy to carry on the discussion, the rest of you can go chat about how great JBJ is by ripping off the fans and re-releasing an album that's 2 years old...

No... view counts are much lower

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As usual you don't read....

It's bound to be. They did pre-orders through the website this time. They didn't last time. Sales through website are not recorded....

It's common sense, so I get why you don't understand... :mrgreen:

I'm going to talk to the Mod team about locking this thread until we figure out away to stop the mud slinging, this is out of control.

Or maybe you meant youTube views?

Almost 100k for Masterpiece is pretty good.

Walk With Me is not on YouTube proper at the moment. It's an exclusive via Forbes. You can't access it my searching YouTube.com only from the private link, so It's not going to get as many yet.

I'm still confused as to why they haven't done any proper videos, or attempted radio. but I guess they are waiting for the album?

IS there still an album? Richie was just quoted as saying Five E.Ps recently.

Last I heard he said 2 EPs, and Album, then another 2 EPs...just a few weeks ago at (I think) The grammy thing? One of those performances?

He's also said something about the album being the 2 EPs plus some extra stuff?

But i dunno if that's changed in the last few days...who knows with these guys!?

I am really liking One Night of Peace...no Orianthi vocals. I adore Ritchie's voice and will always miss it with Bon Jovi. If Orianthi was a decent singer, One Night of Peace would have been a lovely duet for the two of them.

Listening to the 2nd EP for the first time.

First impression - very mediocre. I guess Making History is the best track for me, but that is not saying much. It very much feels like an Orianthi record, which is not surprising since Richie hasn't had a direction as a recording artist since Undiscovered Soul. And believe me, I'm no Orianthi hater, I actually really enjoyed her 2013 solo album. But it seems like these two bring the worst out of each other musically.

I'm no expert, but the sound is poorly produced for my ears. The vocals sound bad and the drum sound cheap. "Replace Bob Rock with John Shanks" my ass! This is not me praising Shanks. This is me saying that producers are not as important as a lot of people make it seem like they are. They tweak some buttons and stuff, but the artists make the music!

I'd give this one more go in a few days probably, but I'm not excited to do so. Rise was actually better. At least it had one instantly great song (Take Me); which this doesn't.

It's also safe to say based on Spotify/iTunes numbers that the project is commercially dead. And it's not hard to understand why - I can't understand what fanbase could this trully appeal to - not Richie's fans (too poppy), not Orianthi fans (too poppy), not mainstream (outdated), not anyone (mediocre!!). But hey, if it really gives Richie the artistic pleasure he's preaching, then good for him I guess, but I won't be following him on this journey, other than the Hall of Fame performance + the eventual reunion tour sometime in the 2020s.

It seems like Richie and Orianthi are having a great time making this music but no one is really enjoying listening to it.

My guess is that Richie is content bank rolling this project as long as he's banging a young rock star. Orianthi is probably having a lot of fun with the charismatic older millionaire.

And there's most probably lots of cocaine being snorted. That'd explain a lot.

I can only agree with this. I'm happy that some people seem to enjoy it, but for me it's just a mash-up of trying a bit of everything and getting nothing in the end. I loved Richie's solo albums and liked Orianthi's efforts, but this stuff is too far from both of their efforts and lacks a certain fingerprint to appeal to any kind of fanbase.

You guys have said it all...

This type of thing needs to stop. If you're going to defend RSO and believe it in why bring Jon into it at all?

This post wasn't about defending RSO at all, just pointing out the hypocrisy. Re-releasing the album with 2 new songs and people are happy about it. The same people initially complained about Richie Releasing EPs instead of a new album, which is a lot more new material than the BJ camp is giving us. A few people here just posting actively looking for the negativity. That is the real problem here, in my opinion...like Jackie said, I'm all for a healthy debate and constructive criticism, and there is a lot of that here, but there are the same people over and over again that really have noting constructive to say and just carry on beating their dead horses...

Anyhoo, Ho Hum...Sorry Boss, won't happen again.

100 percent, I agree, but we're in chicken and the egg scenario. The ones in Richie's camp are pointing out Jon's flaws to defend Richie and vice versa. I can't reprimand one without looking bad for not saying anything to the other. I want to see people debate and discuss projects without turning it into "go support Jon then, your hero is a liar" etc.

This thread is riddled with people who have no interest in it other than to tear it down. I'm not talking about the ones who genuinely don't like it and not because of their issues with Richie. The mods and I are at a loss of how to fix this.

Captain, I understand and appreciate your concerns, and I've been as guilty as anyone in contributing to the problem. Still, I would hate to see us lose the one place we have on this forum where we can post or look for updates about Richie simply because people can't seem to behave like adults. So, rather than locking the thread, I'd like to propose an alternative solution.

Now that we realize that the situation is viewed as problematic, let us take a stab at self-monitoring.

It seems to me that the lion's share of the "mud-slinging" has started when a few of us respond to consistently negative posts from a few people who have, or seem to have, no interest in Richie outside of focusing attention on his shortcomings. Replies fly back and forth until one or the other starts making it personal and it spirals downward.

If those of us who are interested in keeping this thread open choose to simply ignore these negative posts and continue more positive (or healthier) discussions that are often disrupted by the negativity, the escalation that concerns you shouldn't occur with the same frequency.

That way, those of us who are interested in any news about Richie and RSO, or who want to discuss their music and performances objectively (or at least constructively), can continue to do so; and those who are only interested in pointing out Richie's flaws, or stirring up negative discussions about him or RSO, can still have their say without fear of being challenged.

I am going to continue with this.

I wonder what will be the next step of RSO to do a small tour of promotion. It intrigues me to know what musicians will play to bring their new songs to life. I hope it is something more consistent than the last ones. All these recent performances in acoustic format is fine, but not enough. I want to see how they put on a complete show with a full band.

Thanks Jackie, i think that's the only real way forward...

Rolo, I presume the Australian shows are full band, so we shall see that soon. I would expect that they will head to UK/Europe at some point next year, as Richie has always done well over here...

I'm wondering who might be touring with them, too. It seems like almost every show I've seen lately, there's been a comment from Richie about how they just got together for that show and have only rehearsed the songs a couple times. The two standouts I've seen so far were in the Chicago show: Neil Swanson and Stefanie Eulinberg. I'd really like to see them as members of RSO's "permanent" touring band.

But I just checked Kid Rock's site and Stefanie is still listed as a member of his Twisted Brown Trucker Band and since he's gearing up for a 2018 tour, she's probably out of the picture. :(

According to Neil's website it looks like there's a possibility that he may be playing with them. Fingers crossed!

Here's a clip of Neil doing his version of "Juice" as an entry in Steve Vai's Guitar Center Sessions contest in 2011. If I'm not mistaken, winning that contest is what brought him to Ori's attention.

https://youtu.be/qvxQLhl1oQA

And the promo video from his website:

https://youtu.be/-MX6BSQQwb8

Mainly, I'd just like to see them hire a permanent touring band so they can tighten up their performances, develop some cohesion, and won't look like they're winging it for every show. I don't know the logistics associated with hiring a band for touring, but I imagine it's tough to get the caliber of players we're used to hearing to commit long term if there aren't steady dates. So I'm not sure what will happen.

It is a logical and reasonably assessment to suggest JBJ is the more accomplished songwriter.

RIchie has limited experience is being a solo songwriter compared to Jon. They are simple facts.

It’s all subjective who is “better” but a larger body of solo work should be factored in when comparing (not rating)

For me, all of Richie’s best work has been in collaborations whereas quite a few of Jon’s have been solo. Santa Fe being a prime example.

Back on topic. These EP’s are by no means horrendous but equally are nothing special. I don’t quite see how the direction RIchie has chosen lends any credence in him wanting to break free from being a sideman.


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Cool video lyrics of Take Me maked by Kuba80BJ and DamnedTV

The new EP is growing on me a lot more than Rise did! Actually, I'm loving it! Even We Are Magic I quite like now. I think it was just a shock as it wasn't what I expected after hearing the live version.

I just listened to the Making History EP back to back with Rise and I'm definitely finding it much stronger! Although I have to say that I enjoyed Rise more as part of a full body of work. It just seemed to work better as part of 11 tracks, which is why it's maybe a shame that we were drip fed these tracks rather than being presented with a full album to digest.

I think I might actually mess around with the Running order to make it flow like a complete album. I'm thinking of giving this a go:

1. Making History
2. Rise
3. We Are Magic
4. Walk With Me
5. Masterpeice
6. Truth
7. Take Me
8. Together On The Outside
9. I Don't Want To Have To Need You
10. Good Times
11. One Night Of Peace
12. Good Times (Reggae Remix)

yep, I am listening in this order.

1 Making H
2 Magic
3 IDWTHTNY
4 Masterpiece
5 RISE
6 Walk with Me
7 Take Me
8 Truth
9 Together
10 One Night
11 Good Times
12 Turf Meets The Surf

We need more songs from Richie in the voices, it would be fantastic if the next EP has at least 2 songs of his on vocals.

Turf Meets The Surf!?

Oh interesting! I remember seeing the broadcast of this, but didn't know the recording was out there! How did I miss that!? Many thanks!

Listening to reproduction of IDWTNYN - Take Me - One Night Of Peace, I realize that I need a Richie album, the flow is great.

IDWTHTNYN, What is it about? my subsconscious connects him with Jon (Bon Jovi) in some way.

I have a distinct feeling Richie doesn't share songs that are particularly meaningful/personal to him...

Richie has already confirmed that Take Me is indeed very personal to him (his split from the band, etc). There are lots of songs on his solo albums that are....You Can Only Get So High (his dependency on alcohol and/or drugs), Seven Years Gone(His father), Every Road Leads Home To You (Ava) , Father Time (Cher), All that really Matters (heather), Downside Of love (after a fight he had with heather), You're Not Alone (Ava too), Made In America, etc...

IDWTHTNYN is definitely not Jon related. It sounds more like it would be Ori related to me. The actual title is kind of confusing, because it's actually a positive song. I get from it that he the person in the song has been hurt before in relationships and didn't want to fall for someone else for fear of being hurt again, but he couldn't help himself with this particular person, and now he sees that they are going to make it! Nice little reference to Ballad Of Youth in there with the "yesterday's blues" line....

My timelines might be jumbled but I thought Seven Years Gone was about Heather as well? That would have been 2006, seven years after that would have been 2013? I could swear he said it somewhere but can't remember where.

Yes you're right it looks like it's a combination of both his Dad and his divorce:

You're exactly right except, perhaps, for "Seven Years Gone" because of the specific number of years. That one's about your ex-wife?
About seven years ago, life for me started to take kind of a little bit of a dip. I was getting divorced, my father was dying of cancer at that point in time, so things were definitely at a transformative period in my life. And then all of the sudden, I looked up, when I started writing this record, and I said, "Wow! Seven years gone!" It really went by very quickly. I started to think about the transference of time. My God, it's like, all of the sudden, I've been in this business for 30 years now and all the amazing stuff that's happened to me. So I guess it was kind of a reflection on all that kind of stuff, and I think anybody can relate to that.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/n...ersal-20120817

Your timeline is slightly off, but I think both you and Thinny are correct otherwise. I believe the song was most likely written in 2011-2012 because the album was released in Sept 2012; and I remember him saying that as soon as they came off the GH tour, music started pouring out of him. Seems like I remember him saying in some of the interviews that he had been through a lot: his divorce, losing his dad, and just a lot of changes... Seven Years Gone (among other songs) was about realizing how much his life had changed over the last decade and making peace with it. Altho Heather filed for divorce and his dad was diagnosed in 2006, iirc,, there were rumours of trouble in their marriage in 2005 because they issued a joint statement in Dec 2005 saying their marriage was fine. Then in 2007 the divorce was finalized and, less than 2 weeks later, his dad died. So 2005, 2006, and 2007 were all big years of change for him.

I also got the impression from some of the promo interviews he did about AOTL, and things that have come to light since then, that there may have been discord growing in the band even then (in retrospect, possibly related to Bobby and Shanks). Based on the timeline of their introduction into the band, that also could have been part of the inspiration for SYG. That's why I'm not totally convinced that LWTG is as much about Jon dealing with Richie's addiction as it is some of the things Richie may have discussed with him about "the shovel that's digging this grave". The themes in the lyrics of LWTG too closely reflect the themes on AOTL, especially in SYG, Taking A Chance, and LHTFWABW, even down to the same phrases. But that's just my gut.

I also agree with Thinny that a lot of Richie's songs are very personal. I'd even go so far as to say that when it comes to "the real Richie" you probably find more of him in his songs than you'll ever see in the interviews.

Couldn't agree more Jackie! Awesome discussion btw! :)

Sorry, Thinny, I didn't see your post with the RS link before I replied to Capt. I started the post, then got distracted by a car inspection and didn't catch that you had posted in the meantime.

I also found a couple other things online. There's a great interview Richie did with The Hollywood Reporter that covers a lot of this. I'm just quoting pieces of it that have to do specifically with the writing; but the whole article is interesting.

(BTW, I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I noticed that these particular responses also have examples of what I mean when I say that Richie hasn't said much in interviews since he left the band that he hasn't said before. In these, specifically, he does say "co-written" and "co-produce" but he was just as likely to say "I wrote" and "I produced" even then. The only reason it people take exception now, and why they see it as dissing the band or trying to take all the credit now, is because that's the way they perceive it since he left. To my recollection, nobody posted any complaints when this article was first published in 2012 or even before, when he did other interviews.)

If you want to read the whole article, here's the link:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ea...lowdown-370991

According to this bit from songfacts.com, SYG was one of the first songs he wrote for AOTL, so that would probably place it somewhere around fall of 2011, which takes it back even further - to 2004, which is about the time that Bobby and Shanks came into the picture, isn't it?

http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=36297