Phil X recently opened up about what it was like stepping in for Richie Sambora as Bon Jovi’s lead guitarist. In an interview with Chris Akin Presents, he admitted that the beginning was rough—fans at shows would hold up signs asking where Richie was. But Phil knew he had to stay focused and not let it get to him. Getting distracted could lead to mistakes, and he felt that he couldn’t afford that kind of pressure on stage.
He recalled his first major gig with Bon Jovi at the 2011 Jazz Fest in front of 50,000 people. Rather than letting nerves take over, he told himself to just be a rockstar and treat it like another day at work. Having performed his whole life, he reminded himself it was just Bon Jovi songs and gave it his all.
Phil officially joined the band during a key turning point—after Sambora suddenly left in the middle of the 2013 Because We Can tour. That moment was a big shift in Bon Jovi’s history. In the Hulu docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, Sambora said he regretted how he left but still stood by his choice.
Jon Bon Jovi later talked about how much he valued the musical bond he had with Sambora, especially on stage. That made Phil’s job even harder, stepping into a role that fans were deeply attached to.
Despite the rocky start, Phil X proved himself with hard work and a professional attitude. He eventually became a permanent member of Bon Jovi, contributed to several albums, and played a big role in shaping the band’s next chapter.
