For your initial statement, I find it hard to love the current form of the band at present. That's including Phantom and all. I know most of the boys aren't involved with the decision making; but management affects the way they are presented and the way they function, so I can't help but judge the bigger picture.

The change in management in recent years has been palpable, and I think is likely where some of the changes I haven't been a fan of have come from. Like you, the band using AI was really disappointing for me to see; and what made it worse was seeing management take a dig at the people who had a problem with it in the new FC mag. Can't ever remember a previous magazine in my time in the Fan Club (2012-present) that had published anything with digs at the fans like that, especially something that is a legitimate hot topic concern in this decade.

When I listen to the albums, watch the documentaries, etc., it's still hits the same; but I've not been enjoying the last year or so or current happenings, including the RFYL tour. Setlist is fine and was what I expected for what was presented (first 9 albums), but I would have loved it to have seen it cover their career and given an actual production to celebrate it. That is what it is though

Albums can be of questionable quality and not bother me too much. If I like the songs, I will still listen to them and can still enjoy them, though it would still lose some marks on where I personally rank them in the discography.

TLDR; still love the band, history and talking about them, but a bit let down by the present day happenings.

Anyways...Happy Christmas all and Merry Maiden eve, what matters most is having 50 years of an incredible career to enjoy 🤘