Wait, the first pic Phil posted, who is that with a guitar talking to Obie. It doesn't look like Bobby or Matt. Is it Phil's guitar tech, doesn't look like Takumi, or yet another rhythm guitar player?

it must be john shanks

https://www.instagram.com/john_shanks/

Oooooh bingo! I wonder if he's playing guitar for the show.

Interesting idea, but for me it doesn't really look like John Shanks. I have the image in my head that he's not so tall and slim.

I also ask myself if this is a Bon Jovi band show or Jon Bon Jovi solo. As far as I read, this is a corporate event in Minneapolis, which would explain why we only got to know this today. And afaik the band doesn't do so many corporate events. But Phil on the right and David's hint to shows coming soon speaks for band.

Btw, has anybody noticed the "Always" on the sticker on the left of the pedal board, next to the Wah? Wonder what's planned for that event.

Plus, derived from the photos with John Shanks, the whole Jovi entourage was in New York a few days ago, but what for? What did they do there, except for Jon doing some interviews. And why is John Shanks with them at the show at Minneapolis?
And tomorrow or so they are all flying back to NY, for the Knockout video (which is made on the 17-18th September, according to the casting guy's instagram entry)?

Would have loved them to separate touring and recording a bit more and keep Matt for the shows.
But as John Shanks is not neccessarily a great guitarist, but obiously able to do some nice stuff, I'm eager to hear what his live playing and stage appearance is like.

John Shanks was Melissa Ethridge's lead guitar player for years. To say he's not a great guitarist because of how we view him as a producer I'm not sure I agree with. He was a guitar player for so long.

Well, someone being a long-time lead guitar Player does Not always make One a great guitarist. And john shanks, judging from the stuff I know, is surely good, but far from being top notch.

Still, dont think that this Position for shanks is not Bad. As I said earlier, he can play some adequate stuff, and has been member of the bon jovi family for so long as producer, Co writer and (ghost) guitarist, so I think he deserves a Bit more Spot Light. And I think he'll be doing a better Job than bobby on bon jovi rhythm guitar 100% ;)

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I guess they're playing right now? (21:52 in minneapolis)

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I would love if Shanks joined the band full time as a 2nd guitarist. He already produces and co-writes the songs and is more important to the band's sound than any other member not named Jon. Jon would be missing Bobby's backing vocals, but in 2016 he will sound horrible regardless. Sadly, I don't think this will happen as Shanks is probably too much in demand as a producer for other artists.