Phil X: Respecting Richie Sambora, Sound Of Bon Jovi & Van Halen

Phil X talks about respecting the fans of bands he plays with, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and Richie Sambora's guitar work
Watch the full episode here "Phil X on Bon Jovi, Van Halen, & What It REALLY Takes To Be A Great Guitarist": • Phil X on Bon Jovi, Va...
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▶ Phil X is playing a Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer Reissue (White Pickguard) - Natural: bit.ly/3HoYDWV
▶ Dinesh is playing a Gibson Custom Colors SG Standard ‘61 Teal - Translucent Teal: bit.ly/3HtbxTF
▶ AMPS used in this video:
Phil X is playing a MESA/Boogie Mark VII Head: bit.ly/3tLguUF
MESA/Boogie 2X12 Horizontal Rectifier Cabinet - Black Bronco: bit.ly/3TSJvbN
Dinesh is playing a MESA/Boogie Fillmore 50 1x12 Combo: bit.ly/3TSp4vy
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In this excerpt from the Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom, legendary session guitarist and solo musician Phil X talks about the importance of respecting the music, the legacy, and the catalog of bands that he plays with, including Bon Jovi, and why he chooses not to deviate too far from Richie Sambora's original guitar lines.
In this exclusive interview with host Dinesh Lekhraj from the Gibson Gear Guide, Phil X shares stories from the road, from learning to master iconic Bon Jovi hits to jamming Van Halen classics.
Never the type of player to try to upstage the bands he's working with, Phil X showcases his unique style while honoring the legacy of greats such as Richie Sambora and Eddie Van Halen, always knowing when to serve the song especially on tracks such as “Keep The Faith.” His insights into adapting to different bands, respecting their music, and maintaining his own playing style and personality is a great lesson to aspiring session musicians out there.
In this clip, Phil recounts both the challenge and thrill of stepping into Richie Sambora's shoes, the art of capturing the essence of Bon Jovi's hits, and his approach to iconic solos in songs such as “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” “Living On A Prayer,” and “Born to Be My Baby.” Learn about Phil’s approach to learning and adapting songs as Phil delves into the importance of mindset and emotion in shaping a guitarist's sound, revealing how he channels the spirits of legends such as Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
#PhilX #BonJovi #VanHalen #MusicInterviews #GuitarTips #RockHistory
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[@thelolguy007]

Richie was the reason I picked up the guitar all those years back. And he’s definitely missed. But I’m also a big Phil X fan (since Fretted Americana). Jovi could not have gotten a better replacement- he’s awesome

[@SimonM5]

"Don't screw this up", I say this to myself everytime I practice in my room..😂 respect man, love a humble professional.

[@martinakelly]

I'll be forever thankful to him for jumping in after Richie left. Plus he is a cool guy. Thank you, Phil.

[@lane82356]

I Want To Thank Phil For The Level Of Respect He Showed Richie When He Didn't Have Too. He Knew He Was Coming In At A Difficult Time & WAS VERY RESPECTFUL OF THE FACT HE RICHIE WAS NOT THERE & HE WAS & DIDNT SHOW RICHIE ANY DISRESPECT & NEVER TRIED TO PUT HIM DOWN..ALWAYS SHOWING RESPECT & Knowing He Had Big Shoes To Fill Kept Things At A Level Where There Was A Pla e For Both Greats To Belong & Did It On His Terms - Paying Much Respect To Richie Whenever He Could Saying" He Knews Richie Should Be There & He's Not." NEVER ONCE DISRESPECTFUL & THAT MEANS ALOT TO RICHIE'S FANBASE...THANK You Phil For Being RESPECTFUL.

[@doddy_bj_miko]

If Jon let Shanks go, n Phil still in, I bet you, Richie will come back. And what a duo it would be. Richie n Phil

[@lenindelangel190]

Agree!

[@olekpokorski9955]

Shanks seems to be black character after watching whole new documentary movie about Bon Jovi

[@jjbast]

How about the poser goes and Richie comes back?

[@wheres_bears1378]

@@olekpokorski9955I saw shanks destroying the band slowly like a cancer since he started with them

[@zechariahcameron3645]

​@@jjbastPhil deserves respect.

[@evianbidet3553]

I love how respectful Phil is. I know pwople who worked at his kids’ school. They all said what a genuinely great dude he is. Makes me love him even more.

[@christors]

Nothing but love for Phil, but Bon Jovi is not complete without Richie he is woven into the band not only in the guitar playing but in writing the lyrics. Mr. Sambora is as important as John period......

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

I agreed with you, back in 2014 when it happened or whenever it was, but now that it's been 10 years, I'd say actually no, Richie being in Bon Jovi or not doesn't really change anything for most fans, they still sell out arenas and stadiums all over the world with or without him. The ship has sailed I'm afraid.

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

The King of Swing was one tasteful guitar solo crafter. That voice, that swagger! All I wanted to have was his white signature Stratocaster, the one with the big stars on the fretboard.

[@ronieldcdomingo5460]

Me too, and the 90’s Fender strat with the same big stars on the fretboard.

[@whenrosesfadeaway]

I'd love to own Richie's kramer guitars , 3 double humbuckers, jersey star

[@lonelydwightfrye]

When I was an awkward kid in Grade 10 I got to meet Phil X backstage at a Honeymoon Suite show when he was playing for Frozen Ghost back here in Canada. I was asking him about his unique tremolo bar that he said he built. He was such a cool guy to me and to this day I have mad respect for him.

[@batlevi2247]

Dude that is awesome

[@Grabowski65]

I met Phil X playing at the Guitar World parking lot in Mississauga, Ontario - as a favour to his buddy Jim. Nicest guy and stayed to talk to fans for quite some time.

[@steveo44]

From clips I've seen of phil doing sambora parts on the live tracks he definitely is playing the parts respectfully. Fair play to him

[@marianobales]

I'm a really fan of Sambora and really miss him in the band. That being said... I'm truly happy that Phil X is the band. He respects Richie and brings new soul to the band.

[@shorerocks]

That's EXACTLY what I wanted to comment. Cheers!

[@LA-pi1xf]

Respect to Phil X. He had big shoes to fill and has been doing great. ❤

[@sargentrowell81]

I love Phil. It took a while to warm up to him in 2013 but damn is he good with the band. I've seen him with Bon Jovi now 4 times and his solo's on Keep The Faith are always amazing. He's also right about the sound he uses on their stuff too. If you go and watch the comparisons between Richie and Phil's play style and solo's there is a difference in the sound, but Phil is exactly right. A good rock tone fits with their music very well. He doesn't have to replicate Richie's sounds to exact detail to be a great musician on stage with them!

[@canyonproductions7683]

Man, that Green SG is SOO easy to look at!

[@RogueA.I.]

I love Phil X. I met him once and went total fangirl and told him he was awesome.

[@pacochuquiure5459]

Spot on! The Born to be my baby solo is one hell of a solo.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

4:30 As a nobody in a weekend cover band, can confirm. Lol All you need is a good rock tone and it works for all those rock songs. Unsurprisingly, if you're playing it correctly, the tone doesn't really matter that much as long as it's close, it's gonna sound like the song because like I said, you're playing it correctly!

[@morganyoungisplayingdrums]

Phil is such a champ. Class act.⚡

[@RyneMurray23]

Phil X is one of the best people on earth

[@crisscat2006]

The problem with Bon Jovi was mainly that Richie isin't in the band anymore. But apart from that, Jon brought 4 o 5 new members, if only Phil was replacing Richie and just play as a rock band, maybe it would had been better.-

[@Jay-fl5yr]

That’s just flat out not true. Hugh has been a part of the band behind the scenes since the 80s, and John Shanks was a producer going back to the 2000s, long before Richie left. The only truly new face is Everett, a background percussionist. Is he really hurting anything?

[@crisscat2006]

@@Jay-fl5yr nobody hurts nobody but Bon Jovi as a band is in exist anymore

[@al3d35]

@@crisscat2006wtf are tou talking about, the band alwYs had more musicians live, and PHIL is 10 times a better musician then Sambora ever was

[@crisscat2006]

@@al3d35 the fact isn't if Phil is better or not than Richie, just Richie is essential for the band, Phil could fit in any band he would want to but not fitting good in BJ

[@brendahightower1636]

​@@al3d35i disagree. I think Jon pushed Richie out and I am sorry but I wouldn't go see Bon Jovi without Richie! As someone said earlier, Jon could not control Richie and Jon badmouthing Richie about his drinking seems to me like he is trying to push blame on Richie instead of owning up to his part in Richie leaving! As much as they toured , Richie didn't stay drunk too much and he never acted drunk on stage!!!! I think Jon was jealous of Richie's popularity! So Richie had to go!

[@margeauxhamilton4925]

Phil X is an A-Class musician, and above that is his integrity. I feel so sorry for Richie. He sadly blew it,bit Phil X stepped into to this very large shoes and surpassed expectations to fans like me who have loved this band for 40 years. Keep rockin’ us Phil! You define a class act in all you do!

[@mattyklee]

Phil X came to my little theater in Miami Beach with Bon Jovi a few years back for the launch of Bon Jovi Sirus Xm channel launch . Phil X super chill and Kind. Pure gentleman and class act!!!!!

[@NorthenLigths]

Phil is a great guy, his humility comes from recognizing that Richi is a legend that almost doesn't exist anymore. Evidently Jon's ego was taken advantage of by Shanks who knew how to take advantage of the opportunity to be famous. Jon Bon Jovi is just Jon and company without Richi. The way of composing the songs, the pure vocal duets and Richi's guitar parts together with Jon, that was the core of Jon Bon Jovi. That was the biggest cause of Jon's loss of voice for not telling the truth and recognizing that the loss of Richi was irreplaceable and a tremendous screw-up. Greetings to all 👋

[@jambjovi]

Glad to hear Phil respects Richie, a while ago, in some interview, somebody asked Phil which Bon Jovi song is the most difficult to play?, He answered that none. I think that Phil is a very talented guitar player and his technique is even better than Richie's, but I felt that answer as unrespectful, because Richies playing is more than a clean technique, his playing involves feelings that Phil even with his talented guitar playing, can not match. Just my opinion.

[@LorClayt]

I don’t have anything bad to say about Phil X, he has often said he would step aside for Richie to return, and he DOES show respect to Richie. I appreciate that about him. But John Shanks - totally different story. He and Jon had a mission to shut Richie down. Jon can control Phil, but he could not control Richie. John Shanks should not be on that stage!

[@dtmateo]

I couldn't agree more. When I'm jamming at home I use the same guitar and same amp but play to different bands and it seems like my guitar transforms itself to "sound like" the guitar that was on the album record. And BTW, Phil X is one of those genuine guitarists who do appreciate music, other people's music. I have watched him monkey around in Fretted Americana. So happy for him to be with Bon Jovi, one of my all-time fave bands.

[@DOMSGUITARS6140]

Loved hearing Phil say that about a great rock tone. Thats all i do is find a good basic tone and itll work for the song im playing without chasing exact tone

[@sampower1735]

I like phil x and john shanks. He produced some great take that tunes

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

I like that he plays the music as originally recorded, expands it only if Jon wants to stretch it out. It's the song, just as the vocal melody is. I hate it when a new guitarist has to change things to put his "stamp" on it.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

I'm fascinated by how the guy who is famous for playing a Yahama joins a band where the guitarist is famous for using a Strat, did an interview with, and seemingly plays Gibsons now?! That's a heck of a deal!

[@bjtop10]

Interesting about Born To Be My Baby solo - would be cool to see him imitate the end part of the studio version cos that's such a key element (articial harmonic-->dive bomb -->bend) but he does it different live (picks the notes)

[@mikestagnone5479]

Phil plays similar notes on that solo, but like you said, it’s not the exact same technique. Richie’s version blows his out of the water. Not to harp on Phil, as he’s an insane player in his own right, but it just shows you Richie was meant to be the Bon Jovi guitarist

[@tasosdiaforetico7377]

Any musician knows Phill has it. Regardless of playing , technical stuff. You rock Phil

[@sb6232]

Love this dude.

[@bobabooey4537]

Ill take Phils playing over Richies every time.

[@musicman1508]

This was real. Listening to way too many guitarists doing everything and buying everything to try and sound like so and so. My fall back is always, (With all due respect to Eddie Van Halen) if you were with your band playing a gig and Eddie Van Halen walked in and played your guitar through your rig.... Would it sound like him or you? It's all in the hands and yes, attitude. This was a very good talk.

[@johnkeenan9495]

Phil's pretty neat and humble, very cool

[@freitasperez]

Richie should come back! He’s the reason bon jovi was Successful

[@petewoodroffemusic]

Phil X has the perfect attitude and personality Hes also a great player and deserves his success! Good luck Phil Pete Woodroffe Music UK

[@ToddBedusek5217]

Phils cool the new album is pretty good

[@rmpalgunadi7657]

Phil is awesome person 👍🏻👍🏻

[@danmcgarrity1]

Sambora is a legend

[@robertclark4509]

Phil X rocks !

[@genesimmons3033]

PHIL X...🇨🇦🇬🇷⚡⚡💰⚡⚡

[@halfindy]

3:25 Yes, same rig sounds in a lot of ways depending what you play and with what intention you play. Hey, it'll sound different in the room depending on how you hear yourself on stage, because that's your personal feedback loop on which you base what you put into your playing. PS: I think, I can always hear Phil X through... but I'll probably not pass a blindfold test. :P (What I see, still has way too much of an impact on what I think I hear.)

[@diamondd2778]

Phil loves VH just a bit more...... ah a lot more....❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@D1TemplarKnight]

While I prefer Richie over Phil, Phil is a decent guitarist and his personality is great. It's hard to bash him like so many people do to Tommy Thayer.

[@violeirosamuelthiodorio]

Richie Sambora pro Bon Jovi é como David Gilmour pro Pink Floyd. A guitarra faz uma tremenda diferença!

[@Money.Rocks.Podcast]

Phil X should get in a band with Sammy Hagar, that chemistry would be ON FAYA

[@TeeCee66]

Seeing some of the comments is sad,, as if legendary wasn't rockin, jon puts out "living proof" & its (here we 🎶 go again) lol like the 80's ⚡🎶⚡ I will be whistling that guitar solo in living proof long after sambora's complex speed picking, haven't heard anything that catchy since Def Leppard solos that you could actually whistle 🎶 every interview Mr Sambora gives he is permanently sealing his fate as an alpha male who should have had his own band and own career. He recently said when he played with Jovi he said you've got the job,, Sambora said no I don't think so!? I don't know you let's just play a little and see how it goes,, lol if you guys want to see Sambora who looks good for an 85 year old man but terrible for 60 back in the band,, I believe it's going to cause nothing but drama. I went to see John in the 80s and haven't seen him since and I plan on going to see him next time out with the current lineup. Somebody needs to tell Richie to cut that Frankenstein hair, It's Time to Let It Go, the hair & reunion. Jon is just fine the way he is 🤘

[@paulelverstone8677]

Phil X sounds like a really cool guy. I've known about him since Aldo Nova who he was great for and explained the Bon Jovi connection. I think he gets a lot of flak for replacing Richie but it's clear that there is respect there. I love Richie's playing but until Bon Jovi come to an arrangement, Phil is doing just great. But it's not the same...

[@stevedemarest276]

Phil is so damn normal.

[@gibson]

He's so lovely!

[@tomaszkowalski4064]

Phil X seems like a great and decent guy. Don't think he's a songwriter rhough. Hasn't written anything with Bon Jovi yet. Wonder if there are any tunes he has written on the upcoming Forever LP.

[@Mike060504]

John Shanks hijacked Bon Jovi and replaced Richie’s influence. He ruined the sound and belongs no where near that stage

[@olekpokorski9955]

And you have to be blind not to see his bad impact on band together with Jon, after watching new documentary. Oh Richie didn't come, so he recorded guitars. But at the end i think it was Jon idea to get Richie out of the band... And now he has been left almost alone with his voice problems

[@wheres_bears1378]

💯

[@thierry2876]

Plus Shanks is a backstabber.

[@NorthenLigths]

Phil is a great guy, his humility comes from recognizing that Richi is a legend that almost doesn't exist anymore. Evidently Jon's ego was taken advantage of by Shanks who knew how to take advantage of the opportunity to be famous. Jon Bon Jovi is just Jon and company without Richi. The way of composing the songs, the pure vocal duets and Richi's guitar parts together with Jon, that was the core of Jon Bon Jovi. That was the biggest cause of Jon's loss of voice for not telling the truth and recognizing that the loss of Richi was irreplaceable and a tremendous screw-up. Greetings to all 👋

[@polishmasterjay]

Yes indeed! Great producer, decent guitarist, waaaaay too many effects and ZERO personality and stage presence, looks like the guy who would deliver pizzas to the band before the show, not exactly “rock star” material…🤨🎯🤣👏

[@budget.diyguy.australia]

Goes to show, when your a red hot player, yet your filling in another even more legendary red hot players boots... It's a whole new stressful level of playing. Huge pressure for Phil when he joined JBJ. Full respect.

[@user-xo3wb7yu9e]

Ritchie was definitely the best Singer in Bon Jovi

[@MikeManicki]

The sound and vocals Richie provided made Bon Jovi great After his departure the band is vanilla at best

[@whenrosesfadeaway]

As a guitar player , Phil X has got great construction , and great chops. But he does not have the vocals and charisma like Richie. Glad , he helped the band at some point .

[@whenrosesfadeaway]

Shanks sauce = too much 🤣

[@CathyBrucker-so4bz]

Personal opinion, Shank had an attitude about Richie...he was listening to PhilX before they ever got him, seems like Shanks want to get away from NJ band. Just sayin'.

[@zechariahcameron3645]

Why is long hair such a big deal to some rockers? I love the genre lol, but these guys are an example of that. I would get a trim at least.

[@hhhstocko1]

He seems like a super cool guy. He is nowhere near as talented as Richie. But this guy is cool

[@edwarddupere3640]

The best harmonized yes but the best singer is Jon Jon went solo and still kicked it. Richie not so much, they make a great team yes. Nut don’t forget runaway was all written by Jon and then came Richie and the band

[@joemomma9177]

Gibsons are $200 worth of wire and wood they sell for 5 grand. They are also very poor quality especially compared to other guitars at the price point.

[@venomlords]

😂

[@thequiet1374]

IF bj dumped shanks and kept Phil, brought Richie back, that could be amazing. BUT, the fact that Phil is far more capable than the adult contemporary bj has been putting out for the past 10+ years tells us jbj isn't interested in being in a rock band anymore. No sense in debating Richie vs Phil when either of them can play current bj output in their sleep.

[@MarekKE-ei6ec]

SHANKS = BON JOVI's horrible direction into sh*t...

[@deerreindeer4863]

yes

[@jasonthemason1971]

Richie plays the songs, Phil plays the notes………. 😮

[@javtimestwo]

Sambora has no respect for Phil X. Sambora also had no respect for the band when he abandoned them in the middle of a tour. Sambora told Phil X some very unkind words at the RRHOF ceremony and this comes from Phil X himself.

[@ajjy1110]

phil su(X)

[@sandyp07]

Lamentablemente phil tu estas haciendo lo que ya iso richie sambora que es el verdadero rey de bon jovi

[@FYMASMD]

Sambora has no one to blame but himself. Who wants to be around a wasted guitar player?

[@randall9000]

🙋‍♂️

[@tmklunk]

Phil X wtf kinda name is that 😂

[@kathleenst.george714]

He is Greek. His full name is Theofilos Xenidis.

[@timstapleman]

AI generated interview.

[@Petequinn741]

Little full of himself, he's descent..but ..

[@len3169]

No, he’s that good…

[@stratman9449]

haha...Phil certainly is not "lacking confidence"....but that's Phil....it's his greek roots.....just watch "Alexis Sorbas"...and you get what i'm saying.....cheers...oh and yes...Phil is deffo very good...doing his "thing"....

[@straty5598]

I don't see that at all. He's been brought in to do a job in Jovi that he does well and lets face facts, it's way below his skill level but he does it with respect. Here he's just chatting with a guy who wants to know some stuff while holding some overpriced Gibsons, if you want to see and hear a guy who's full of himself listen to any clip of Corey Taylor of Slipknot.

[@shlepmessing8703]

I'm a big Richie guy but it's hard to not like Phil.

[@Glupkomatun]

Keep your pedals