[QUOTE=BJ?YesPlease;1146084][QUOTE=Slakk;1146082]I care as much about Richie's emotional state and well-being as he cares about mine.

[QUOTE=crashed;1146086][QUOTE=BJ?YesPlease;1146084]What a silly thing to say. Barely dignifies a response!

Jon doesn't have a Twitter account, but he did say he would be back during one of those very first shows without him. I'm under the impression things have been and are evolving, though, and that shows in how Jon's words about this changed significantly over these three months.
What seems more or less apparent from all the interviews with all of the band members is that the ball should be ultimately in Richie's court.

[QUOTE=BJ?YesPlease;1146087][QUOTE=crashed;1146086]Why is it silly? You're asking me to care about someone that I don't know personally, expecting me to give them some benefit of the doubt just because he's Richie Sambora? He's not my friend, or relative. And he really won't give a shit if I'm in an emotional state or having personal issues, so why should I give him that same consideration?

Like you said I'm a consumer and it's all about the music - that's what interests me and the only thing that matters to me is if the enjoyment of said music continues. Richie not being on tour ****ed that up somewhat. Is that selfish? Yes, absolutely, but that's what my emotional investment is - I'm not going to hold either Jon, Richie, Dave, Tico or Hugh on some sort of pedestal because of who they are.

The quotes are going crazy of late, showing all the wrong names. Hey ho.

I want to take a moment to just say that Jessy, I find your comments, along with Jackie's, to generally be the most clear-headed and reasoned in the group.

I remember a similar comment from you, so I'll take a moment as well this time to say I'm glad you appreciate my posts.

And, by the way, I can see where you're coming from with yours. But we can't expect everybody to have the same kind of patience and/or emotional attachment to this band and its members. I agree with you that we should wait before jumping to conclusions. And it hurts to see all the name-calling and rushed judgement. But at the same time I can't blame those who, RESPECTFULLY and with a clear head, decided enough is enough for them. I think some of these people are aware they don't know the full story, but somehow they think they know enough. And I understand that because, even though I'm trying my best to just patiently wait, I share the same level of frustration after 3 freakin' months. At the end of the day, if a good explanation for this is given, I'm pretty sure they will all take back their words. In the meantime, though, we're being given little to no explanation and I'm not sure we can really be expected to just stay quiet and wait diligently. People will get worked up. A few will keep their cool or desperately try to, but that's about it.

This might sound stretched, so just take it as a little silly comparison that, I hope, can still convey the idea. I think it's kinda like finding your partner in someone else's arms. They'll start off saying it's not what it seems and they can explain, but between when you walk in on them and when they're done finding the words and speaking them out loud, you've already slammed the door behind you or started throwing things at them. The next day you might be willing to listen, but in the heat and uncertainty of the moment, you just know you're hurt and/or mad and you don't really care about anything else.

I'm very "zen" and I'm just not able to form an opinion without having a pretty clear picture, but I understand this is not how it works for everybody. It's hard not having an opinion. I'm sure the band knows the shitstorm this is causing and how not spilling any beans totally fuels it. It shouldn't really take them by surprise, they're probably somehow "prepared" for this. You should take comfort in that, I do.

[QUOTE=crashed;1146090][QUOTE=BJ?YesPlease;1146087]It's not about putting them on a pedestal. You'er meant to be here because you're a fan. As a fan, surely your interest is in the music. If your interest is in the music, then surely the artist being interested in making the music is paramount.

Coming here and saying you don't give a shit about someone's mental state is a horrendously nasty and immature thing to do.

If you only do things in life to get the same back, good luck my friend...

Bang on the money.

Totally agree!

I just want some good music.

The only thing most people are demanding is resolution of the current crisis. To me, the best outcome is for Richie to re-join the band, because at this moment there is literally nothing concrete to suggest his absence has anything to do with lack of passion, or his mental well-being, blah blah blah. If it turns out it is, fair enough- good luck Mr Sambora, go do your own thing. Until then, I want him back where he belongs. Whatever future albums come out, my preference will be for a Bon Jovi album with Richie. There is nothing to convince me otherwise at present. The passion is something I'll judge when I hear said album.

I don't understand why you're so determined to push your "give him the benefit of doubt" opinion on people. To use your own go-to phrase, you don't know shit either- your opinion is no more valid than that of those who are angry at Richie, of those who want him back and those who don't, or those who think its a bust-up rather than happiness- so why do you feel the need to constantly come on berating people who have taken a different stance to your own? If someone's pissed off at his not being there, you've got nothing to say they're wrong to be pissed off. Why not leave the 'morality police' act until we do know something?

[QUOTE=BJ?YesPlease;1146094][QUOTE=crashed;1146090]I don't actually most people who know me would say I'm one of the nicest guys you could meet. There's absolutely nothing to suggest Richie has blown off rhe tour for anything other than a personal whim, and I am a fan of the music of Bon Jovi (not Richie as a solo artist) and as I said previously, him not being there messed with the music.

Calling me nasty and immature is not only way off the mark it's also missing the point or choosing not to acknowledge it, there's no proof that Richie is other than absolutely fine.