Phil X on Going From Sub Guitarist to a Full Member of Bon Jovi
IT WAS ONE OF THOSE AS TARIS BORN moments when Phil X stepped into Bon Jovi to sub for a rehab-bound Richie Sambora in 2011. And that could have been the end of the fairy tale. But, fortunately, the guitarist kept being available when he was needed, and when Sambora exited the band for good in 2013, Phil X continued to hold down the guitar chair for live performances—eventually becoming a full member in 2016, and joining Bon Jovi in the studio for the group’s latest release, This House Is Not For Sale [Island].
It’s probably every guitar player’s dream to be called in to sub for a famous guitarist in a massive, hit-making band like Bon Jovi. Was that a mind-blower for you, as well?
I like people being aware of the whole situation when they step into a position like this, and for me, the premise is that the show must go on. It’s like a sports team. If a pitcher throws his arm out, you don’t cancel the game, you get another pitcher. And Jon Bon Jovi is a smart guy. He knows the trucks have to keep going, and the crew has to keep working, because there are fans out there who want to see you play. I mean, I see the same faces at 30 or 40 shows! You don’t tell those people, “Oh, we’re going to cancel the tour.” There’s a lot at stake.
How did you prep yourself for taking over the guitar spot?
ãã®èšäºã¯ Guitar Player ã® September 2017 çã«æ²èŒãããŠããŸãã
7 æ¥éã® Magzter GOLD ç¡æãã©ã€ã¢ã«ãéå§ããŠãäœåãã®å³éžããããã¬ãã¢ã ã¹ããŒãªãŒã8,500 以äžã®éèªãæ°èã«ã¢ã¯ã»ã¹ããŠãã ããã
ãã§ã«è³Œèªè ã§ã ?  ãµã€ã³ã€ã³
ãã®èšäºã¯ Guitar Player ã® September 2017 çã«æ²èŒãããŠããŸãã
7 æ¥éã® Magzter GOLD ç¡æãã©ã€ã¢ã«ãéå§ããŠãäœåãã®å³éžããããã¬ãã¢ã ã¹ããŒãªãŒã8,500 以äžã®éèªãæ°èã«ã¢ã¯ã»ã¹ããŠãã ããã
ãã§ã«è³Œèªè ã§ã? ãµã€ã³ã€ã³
'I Play Less Notes These Days, but They All Mean a Lot More'
On Broken, Walter Trout packs his licks for maximum impact as he testifies to the hope that can save our divided world.
Steel of a Deal
Jerry Byrdâs Steel Guitar Favorites packs a heap of American styles in one outstanding disc.
The Knockoff That Became a Knockout
Forced to stop copying U.S. guitars, Ibanez launched the all-original Artist line and took America by storm.
UNCOMMON FOLK
He grew up in a folk music haven. As he celebrates his latest album, Wide Open Light, Ben Harper shares sights and memories of his childhood home.
WILD SIDE
After Lou Reed's Berlin concept album bombed, guitarists Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner helped him get his groove back. The result was Rock 'n' Roll Animal, the live classic that redeemed his spirit and saved his career.
'THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF OUR BAND IS TWO GUITARS'
Sleater-Kinney were making bass-less records long before the White Stripes and the Black Keys came along. Says co-leader Carrie Brownstein, \"The power comes from the conversation the guitars are having with each other.\"
YOUR INFLUENCES STICK WITH YOU
Scott Henderson spent lockdown training his ears and building improv skills. As Karnevel! shows, his jazz chops flourished, but his blues-rock roots remain as strong as ever.
EYE ON THE PRIZE
Erstwhile blues-rocker Hannah Wicklund finds her true self with an album of songs she calls the most authentic Iâve ever written.â
TIP SHEET
Think effects are a crutch? Reeves Gabrels has a few choice words and good advice) for you.
WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE
As he releases One Deep River, Mark Knopfler reflects on the guitars he's loved, the music that keeps his passion youthful... and how he'd like a do-over on that Dire Straits Rock Hall induction.