Originally Posted by Becky

Jon has proven many times he can successfully write without Richie. And, having seen the band without Richie, they're just fine live without him too. They're still a great live act without him. Richie is not a "co front man" and never has been (unless you've got on Richie goggles, I suppose). Taking lead on a song here and here does not a co-front-man make. It's throwing the guitarist a bone. They're not a band without a guitarist. They're a band without their original guitarist. Many, many bands have a revolving door of members. Better a new guitarist than a new singer, IMO, as many of Bon Jovi's peers from back in the day have struggled with.