Would Phil stay it Richie came back

Jon loves money, no way he would pay up big bucks "just in case". I bet the new Richie contract has a "no AWOL clause" where Richie would instantly die if he leaves the premises.
I also think he is so butthurt he had to spend money for Phil X that he told Bobby that he better learn to play to take the lead next time.

Instantly die, huh?

I don't think he would take it tbh. I fully admire the attitude which he's approached this whole thing where he's done the best job he can under the circumstances and pressure while still maintaining it clear that he's just "helping another band out". Also I'm sure he's benefited from getting his name out there on a bigger scale, but I don't think anyone is really looking at it as a long term thing. The gig must be one of the best paying gigs, but I really doubt he would do it any more officially than now, jon and Bobby have to loyal a friendship also ...

This is what would happen to Bobby if he was told to play all the lead parts.

Not a chance, in my opinion. Phil is having a good time up there, but I'm not sure if he'd want to be with them permanently. It's just not his style.

Is it only me or is it true that the more you see/hear of Phil X, the more limited he sounds. None of his solo's sound impressive to me. I know he is just a stand-in but after reading how good people think Phil X is I am struggling to see that. All his solo's sound pretty limited and quite the same even. I really miss Richie's fast licks. Phil X doesn't seem to have any of that skill.
Then to topic. Phil won't stay around. I still do not get why Bobby is still there apart from the backing vocals (who seems to be turned on louder every tour to compensate for Jon) so there would be no real use for Phil X.

I salute you,
TS

Well, I've defended Phil and I think that he suits some songs really, really great, but gotta agree with what you say. He does sound limited, indeed.

Yes, whenever he improvises he's more repetitive than Richie ever was (and Richie's gotten REALLY repetitive). With time and practice he's able to vary a lot since he's pretty versatile, seeing his shows you are able to see that easily. His always outro solo shows how repetitive he can be, even if it's good...

Ahh...finally people get to their senses. I can't believe there was even a real discussion around Phil X replacing Sambora. Yes, the man is great, can play well - no question asked, and he was a gulp of fresh air. Yet if Richie is to be replaced permanently - there are other calibre out there.

As about Phil being in the band permanently. It'd be a waste. That doesn't mean it wouldn't work. Look at Vivian Campbell and Def Leppard. Why he's still with that band, god knows. They must be paying him really big bucks obviously.

I never thought he was good enough to replace Richie as a lot of other people here seemed to do from the moment he replaced him. I just never had the urge to ventilate that opinion. Now, when seeing this thread it was time to see if there was anyone who had the same thoughts as me. Luckily I seem not to be the only one.

I salute you,
TS