It's my understanding Phil X & Jon have run in the same music circles for many years--they go waaaay back. Phil X & Jon are real cool with each other--he's not commented a lot on Richie. Phil will competently and professionally play anything--he's well-known & highly regarded in the LA music scene. Personally, I think he's a great dude, very kind & fun-loving. Being an almost lifelong Bon Jovi fan, I'm more than happy to throw all my support Phil's way during his second stretch with the band...