Phil X has shared details about his unexpected recruitment to Bon Jovi in a recent interview with Marty Music. He revealed the band’s emergency plan following Richie Sambora’s departure.
Phil X recounted the dramatic circumstances of his emergency call-up when asked about his tenure with Bon Jovi.
“Solid for, it’s been 11 years now. Because it was like in 2011, I just filled in and Richie came back,” Phil X explained. “And in 2013, I hadn’t played a Bon Jovi song in 2 years, and they’re like, ‘We need you in Calgary tonight.’ I’m at Trader Joe’s shopping for the family.”
The guitarist described the unexpected phone call that transformed his career.
“The thing that was really funny was the phone’s ringing haven’t heard from the guy in two years and it’s Jon Bon Jovi. And he goes, ‘Hey we need you in Calgary tonight. Scott’s gonna call you,'” he continued. “Scott Casey was a road manager. He called me. Moving on, I didn’t get to Calgary in time because it was a slow jet.”
Phil X elaborated on the band’s solution for that night’s performance.
“They played without lead guitar. Well, Bobby Bandiera had been the auxiliary guitar player since 2006,” he revealed. “In necessity doing all the parts like overdubs that Richie couldn’t play live or stuff he didn’t want to play live which was great because it’s stuff I didn’t want to play live. It made everything easy. Bobby has an amazing voice. He was doing a lot of backgrounds. But he took all the solos and Jon had to hold down rhythm guitar that night which he hated.”
The temporary arrangement quickly became permanent.
“Then he goes, ‘Okay you missed the show, no problem. Tomorrow, you’re on.’ And we did nice lengthy soundtrack and then after a month of shows they’re like, ‘We’re going to need you to go to Europe next month. ‘Cuz Richie’s not coming back.’ I thought Richie would come back,” Phil X added.
Phil X has maintained his position with Bon Jovi since that emergency call-up in 2013.
This transition marked a crucial moment in Bon Jovi’s history.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Richie Sambora left the band on April 2, 2013. The guitarist cited personal issues for his departure, necessitating Phil X’s immediate recruitment.
The relationship between Sambora and the band became a point of ongoing interest. Guitar Player noted that Sambora’s only reunion with the band occurred during their 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This brief encounter marked a significant moment in their history.
Phil X’s position in the band has since become permanent. People magazine documented the band’s continued success over the decade following Sambora’s departure. Their touring and recording achievements have cemented Phil X’s role in the group.
