It sounds very heroic what Richie said about me saving him. But I was very aware he needed distraction, so that he wouldn’t be totally consumed with his father’s illness and what was happening at home.

Richie is the person I most want to share a foxhole with. He is as loyal as they come. He watched my back for 20 years. Like Tico said: “You know I love you, but I’m staring at your ass for 20 years.

Richie has known me for so long, that I don't have to complete a sentence. I can mumble something and he goes: yes, yes I get it. Sometimes my mind goes a lot quicker than my lips. And he is able to understand what I mean.

I love Richie just as much before as I do after. And the best thing to do, both for him and for us, is say: We're going to work. You should take care of yourself. I didn't threaten him with being fired. Everybody supported him, and in turn, the fan base supported the decision, and we went out and did 15 or so shows, I guess. It's good that he realizes we're going to work no matter what, as long as I can get up and out there. It was good for him and he's in a great place again.

Richie got a heart made of gold. It's so hard to believe that he's that nice of a guy, you know, that I question him sometimes: Are you really this nice? I've known you too many years, you're still too nice to me, something ain't right here...You know, he's just...he's ultimately, he's just a fun-loving guy who wants to be in a rock band.

For 25 years, Richie has been my right hand - the brother, partner and friend you hope to one day find from the time when you're a kid. I tell people - and I mean this as the highest compliment - you would be lucky to call him your friend. He had the talent and desire that set him apart from the average guy slinging a six-string around. Sure, there are loads of guys who can play. There are lots of guys who can sing. But there is - and only ever will be - one Richie Sambora.