[raven]

I don't think they were particularly prescient...or if intended as clues they couldn't be picked up on until after the event...because he was forever quoting authors and indeed many of his own lyrics could be said with hindsight to point in the direction of not wanting to be around for much longer

...I do feel clues are often there but also that they tend to only be obvious after the event...

and it's probably a given that the band wouldn't have continued long as a 4 piece..but guess it can never be known if they'd have gone on as a 3 piece...unless he'd spoken up and said he wanted to leave and was happy for them to continue....maybe they would or maybe they'd all be doing separate things now....who can say....Everything Must Go wouldn't have happened o' course...but musically that was probably always the direction most wanted by most of the band...but it's all speculation and all made impossible by the fact that Richey wasn't well which makes all speculation feel unhelpful....Can only really say I be glad they continued and I am sorry he couldn't have just spoken up and let people in more but I also understand that mental health problems can prevent communication and sour relations till it feels like there's no going back......it must be hell for all left behind...so can only hope the band continuing has given them some strength and I can only hope for some peace for his sister somehow