LadyJane wrote on Dec 20
th, 2009 at 10:51am:
"The line up change 'wont happen' in the same sense that it didnt happen with Bill. One member left, and wasnt replaced."
A LOT has changed since Bill's departure.
I just don't see them bringing in a new guitar player at this point.
I hate to think or even type this but my bet is No Ronnie, No Tour.
But really wtf do I know???
Hope for the best, I guess.
And "the best" is for Ronnie to get his friggin act together before we are posting in his Obit thread.
LJ.
The main difference since 1992 is that theyve become more focussed than ever on being a corporation that on being a band.
Bearing that in mind,
every decision the Stones take is based primarily with profits in mind. Even on the last tour, on the two occasions where they gave fans a free or cheap show to go to (Copacabana and the Beacon), the motive was financial in the long run because the shows were being filmed for commercial release.
In the last few years, even Keith has gone back on previous statements about being down to the last four core members now by stating that as far as he's concerned, only he and Mick are irreplaceable.
The bottom line is that, as far as they're concerned, any 'weak link' in the chain that gets in their way of maximising profit is expendable. Even it doesn't look right to everyone else and even if it detracts from their musical legacy.
Agree with your last point. We can only hope the poor guy can see sense and sort his health and his life out. I don't think Mick and Keith's patience is inexhaustible however.