Would you be OK with Shanks joining the band?
 

It may sound crazy, but:

• He plays all of guitars in Burning Bridges and does a good job in my book
• He is a better guitar player than Bobby
• He co-wrote 5 of 11 songs in BB
• He produced their last 5 studio albums (and 5 out of 12)
• He already plays with Jon in some non-KOS solo performances

Now I know that's not going to happen, cause he has lots of commitments to produce for other artists, etc., and he probably doesn't want to, but if we can't have Richie, I personally would love if Shanks became a member of the band, given how much he contributed to today's Bon Jovi, for better or worse. Hell, he has more impact on how Bon Jovi sounds that anyone not named Jon Bon Jovi. I love Phil X, but I think I'd rather have Shanks, because it would retain authenticity of the same people performing songs that recorded them: Jon, David, Tico, Hugh, and John; plus obviously have Bobby as a back-up vocalist with guitar in his hands.

What do you guys think of this imaginary scenario?

No way. One thing is to patch Richie in the studio, ok, I can accept Shanks work here, but no touring, friend.

That said, we need drastic changes in the shows. If they are to go as shows 2013, that do not have my money.

Did you go to any shows in 2013 Rolo?

I'd be happy as long as he doesn't become an official member. I think that would be a great injustice to Hugh - 20 years and he still isn't recognised properly in my books.

If he were to tour and record etc. with the rest of the band then that'd be fine by me.

I agree. But what if both them became official members?

Dude makes a ton of money producing and writing records for other artists. Why would he want to join Bon Jovi as a touring musician?

No. He did a great job on Burning Bridges and does a good job when playing acoustic shows with JBJ but leave him as a producer. The authenticity angle you mentioned is why I would prefer if Phil recorded guitar leads on the next album. It probably won't happen since Jon says the record is "just about done, I just need to go back in a tweak it". I just hope part of the "tweaking" is adding some guitars by Phil.....

I don't think anyone will ever be joining as an official member. I also don't think John Shanks has any desire to be a touring artist because he makes quite a living as a songwriter and producer for other artists.

Edit: My vote was Don't Care.

Guys, let me repeat:
Clearly, I'm not asking whether you think that's likely to happen. What I'm interested in is the degree of fans' acceptance, hence the thread's title.

Prior to BB I would have been totally against it.
Post BB I'd be ok with it, but I think Phil fits the bands image a lot better.