Phil X shared his approach to performing Richie Sambora’s guitar solos in Bon Jovi in a recent interview with Creativity Talkin.
“For me, it was respecting. I talk about the elements of respect; respecting the band, respecting the songs, respecting Richie Sambora, and respecting the fans,” Phil X said. “You can’t mess with the solo from ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ or the solo from ‘Wanted Dead or Alive.'”
“Even though one of my favorites is ‘Born to Be My Baby,’ I love that solo on the record,” he continued. “And over the years, like when you have to learn material from a band of that magnitude you’re listening to the record to hear what it originally sound like, and then you’re listening to the last tour hear what it sounds like live with the cues and the ending and all that stuff.”
“I don’t know what Richie did to the solo to ‘Born to Be My Baby,’ but it was an easy decision for me to play the one from the record,” he explained. “So I mean that kind of stuff where the wise choices, and then and when we do something like keep the faith then you know they kind of let me off the leash at the end a little bit and I get to be me.”
Phil X’s statement reflects his deep understanding of Bon Jovi’s musical legacy and his role in preserving it.
TheTopTens highlighted Richie Sambora’s masterful guitar work on ‘Dry County’ and ‘Wanted Dead or Alive.’ These performances showcase the magnitude of the legacy Phil X has been entrusted with.
The guitarist’s faithful approach to Sambora’s work has earned widespread fan appreciation. Fan reactions to his live performances confirm the positive reception of his classic solo renditions.
His performance style strikes a careful balance. He honors Sambora’s original work while occasionally adding his own flair to certain songs. Live performances demonstrate Phil X’s ability to maintain Bon Jovi’s iconic sound while introducing subtle personal touches.
This commitment to musical heritage and fan expectations has ensured a smooth transition. The band continues to deliver the authentic sound their audience expects.
