I'm just realistic, based on what we've heard for the last two years. The Jon we knew is long gone I'm afraid, I've pretty much accepted that. You want to believe otherwise and that's up to you, but I have no desire to build up false hope, just to end up disappointed...

When a voice fails fluctuations are pretty normal. Some days will be better than others, some notes will be better than others. There are lots of variables that can affect a voice.

No, I don't want to believe otherwise (or at least I don't, but maybe I want to? Dunno), but I'm not ready to give up every last bit of hope just yet. ;-)

Too much focus on voice,too much of Jon is not happy,he is this,he is that... His voice is listenable,his voice is not cracking like shot voice used to sound. Too much attention on voice,no one say anything about playing,other members,Jon is not all in the band,it is the whole package. In order to make show even better they need acoustic part in the show and let it go hard songs like Ill be there for you and others like Dry county,Hey god,These days( not play yet but still).

Sorry, but I don't find his current voice very listenable in a live situation at all.

As for the rest of the band, there's nothing to discuss, they are all pretty solid. They are well reherased and tight. They are a good band, that just miss that extra spark. Phil X is a great player, but he doesn't have that blues influence that was all the way through Richie's playing and of course Richie's voice is hugely missed also, maybe even more than his guitar style.

Living With The Ghost:
https://youtu.be/61dXkTYZJ_o


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It's so much more than the technical aspect of Richie's style of playing and his vocals that's missing, though God knows, that would be enough. I think Jon depended on Richie a lot more than people realize for sharing the load every show. Richie was his side man, his straight man - I can't think of the right term, but like the Gracie Allen to his George Burns minus the comedy element. He played off of Richie. It helped ease the load of carrying the whole show by himself. If nothing else, it gave him something to look at besides the front row, without turning his back on the audience. And he also knew that when (if) his voice gave out, Richie was there to pick up the slack, either taking over the vocals or distracting from them with the harmonies. He didn't even have to say anything, because Richie watched him like a hawk and he knew when he was struggling.

And no, even if they could resolve whatever went wrong, and Richie were to come back, it won't restore Jon's voice to what it was anymore than it would probably restore Richie's playing to what it was. But I think it might restore some of the confidence and, therefore, some of the showmanship that's missing. And the joy.

JMO

Ok, and now go and tell them that! ;-)

Believe me, if I coulda I woulda. :)

(Shouldn't have to though. They're grown men. They shoulda figured this out 5 -1/2 years ago!) :mad:

Sure, but they're not behaving like it (Richie even worse than Jon, but still), more like 5 year olds in some respects...