No you didn't dream that. He was a manager AND there was talk of a label/alternative. Talk. But no one knew anything for sure. And we still don't. He might still be acting as manager. For all we know, he was a key player in getting them back with UMG.

As far as UMG not needing them, I scoff. Sure, there's no desire for a label to have the world's biggest touring act (on the years they tour) on their roster. Everyone knows album sales are going to be minimal in this day anyway, so at least they know Bon Jovi HAS an audience and their last several new albums have given UMG the top spot on the Billboard chart. Yeah... nothing appealing about that act. Nothing at all.