Adidasman, you are wrong. Paul left in 94, Peter Jones did officially replace him and drummed with them until their break up in 96.
Peter Jones was not a hired hand. He was a band member. He participated in the aborted 95 CH recording sessions. From which the song Help Is Coming comes from, which Jones also co wrote.
Paul only returned to play drums on the three new songs on Recurring Dream as it was the hits album was meant to mark the end of that era. Peer drummed at all overseas gigs to promote the best of, even when the break up announcement had been made. Paul only did the final aussie dates and the Farewell gig because the band was breaking up.
And my understanding from several sources is that when Neil and Nick got the band back together, Peter Jones was again offered the gig. As being a teacher is now apparently his main gig he turned it down.
Sorry but what you said really pissed me off. Not because it's a opinion thats different to mine. Hey I love and respect intelligent debate over good music, with like minded passionate people. But seriously dude, Peter Jones deserves more respect.