Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora and current Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X are set to share the same stage, as announced on Instagram. The rare pairing will take place as part of a Kings of Chaos show on August 1st at Aqua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage — a supergroup led by former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum.
Kings of Chaos made the announcement, revealing a stacked lineup that brings together rock veterans from several iconic bands.
“Killer Kings of Chaos lineup onsale today at The Show at Aqua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, featuring Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), Kevin Cronin (Formerly of REO Speedwagon), Jack Blades (Nightranger), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Matt Sorum (Guns N Roses), Mike Mangan (The Cult), Eliot Lorango (Jerry Cantrell),” the group announced. “Playing all the greatest songs from the members’ perspective bands — August 1st, tix onsale now!”
The announcement quickly drew reactions from Bon Jovi fans, many of whom were surprised to see Sambora and Phil X on the same bill. One fan noted: “That’s unexpected. Richie Sambora and Phil X at the same stage. I never thought they were fighting but I mean it’s kind of, you know the story, but yeah color me present.”
Another fan expressed excitement at the prospect of a broader reunion: “Phil X and Sambora together…it’s just happening. 2027 Bon Jovi full team on tour maybe? Please!!”
Tickets for the August 1st show are currently on sale.
The show carries added weight given the history between the two guitarists and their shared connection to Bon Jovi. For many fans, seeing them on the same stage is a moment years in the making.
Sambora left Bon Jovi in April 2013 after a period of missed commitments and instability. He departed just hours before a sold-out show in Calgary, Canada, as reported by YouTube. The split marked the end of a partnership that had defined the band’s sound for over three decades.
Phil X had already been filling in for Sambora as far back as 2011, stepping in during tours when Sambora was unavailable. He was eventually named Bon Jovi’s permanent guitarist — a role he has held ever since, making him the man who effectively took over Sambora’s spot in the band.
Kings of Chaos, the supergroup founded by former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum, has built a reputation for assembling revolving lineups of major rock veterans for one-off and special events. The August 1st show follows that same pattern, drawing players from some of rock’s most celebrated acts including Bon Jovi, REO Speedwagon, Night Ranger, Deep Purple, Billy Idol, and Guns N’ Roses.
The booking of both Sambora and Phil X on the same bill adds a new layer of context to their relationship. The two guitarists, whose careers have been intertwined through Bon Jovi, will now share a stage for the first time under the Kings of Chaos banner.
