Phil X is scheduled to play all of the May shows

Explain this to someone with less knowledge.

What has he said about the band in the past?

What albums has he played on with them?

I more meant other band's albums he's played on. He was the primary guitarist for Daughtry's first album. Check out his site for the full discography.

As for my other point, he has a youtube series where he plays guitars that are for sale nad just riffs and messes around. A few times he's played Richie's old flying V from the Bounce era and...I don't want to make it seem like he was a dick about it, it's just a matter of personal taste. I don't remember the exact phrasing, it's been awhile, but he mentioned not caring for the band's songs and referenced the old expression "Don't bore us, get to the chorus" or something. This doesn't mean a hell of a lot, it's a personal taste thing and a huge gig opportunity. But the dude ain't hard up for cash, he's a very much so in demand session player.

People should check out the Fretted Americana vids. He plays with way more soul than people think.

couldn't agree more, well said.

Also, the most recent post you made quoting Phil X's Twitter account (can't be bothered to go back and quote it) is very good news indeed.

I actually don't mind, this will be something special. I have already seen them 4 times with richie so 1 show without him is ok.

never heard of phil x, but will find out tomorrow if he's any good

To me it depends on the set. Yeah I'll miss Richie but besides Homebound Train and a few Dry County solos, he has been replacable this tour. Back in the day, there was no one like him. And there is no like how he was back in the day.

I guess we will what happens but I feel like it will be pretty much the same set list until Richie comes back. I hope I'm wrong.

I reckon JBJ + Richie will decide towards the end of May when he can come back.... this seems sensible. As Richie has done this before, he knows what it takes to get well again, this should help.

Dawn

I think you are reading too much into the situation. Phil, is just doing a job. He is a guitar player and that is what he has been hired to do. It's not his fault, if at the moment he seems better than Richie, that is Richie's fault. Richie, needs to step up his game and I have a feeling, that is what we will see when he gets back.

I agree, no one will ever replace Richie in Bon Jovi but no one is. The guy himself said, that he is there until Richie comes along.

Personally, I feel as though it's not our business. If the band wanted us to know all the details, they would have released them or it will come out like it did for Richie's first two rehab/detox stints.

You can't leave rehab and go back later to finish. It doesn't work that way and anybody who tries to tell him that would be the definition of an enabler to his addiction.

This brings me to the point that has been talked to death around here: we will know when it's truly Bon Jovi's last tour. They will milk it for all the money it's worth. They may not call it a farewell tour but Richie and Jon will find a not so subtle way of saying so where they think it won't portray them as a nostalgic act.

Phil X seemingly has no desire to become a full-time member of Bon Jovi and understands his role in the band is just untl Richie is healthy enough to resume his position as the lead guitarist in Bon Jovi. Phil's doing a job he is getting paid to do. Whether he likes Bon Jovi or not (based on his past videos is questionable IMO) but he seems excited to be able to play on the big stage and quite frankly, who wouldn't.

He's handled the situation all around with class, played a mean guitar and even answers fans on Twitter and interacts with them instead of trying to sell them Mother's Day merchandise.

What other choice do people have if they are holding a ticket? Either to go and make the best of it and maybe get a good show with an average setlist or not go at all. A lot of people will go because they paid for the ticket, have previous travel plans and are curious about the new guy. I can't blame people for choosing to go.

I would have still preferred the band have postponed dates but it's not going to happen so you are left with the above two choices as a ticket holder.

Richie will always be part of the personality of the band and that to me is irreplacable. Right now, Phil is playing a guitar better than Richie but Richie isn't healthy mentally or perhaps physically. It's an opinion that a lot here have said and it's not about loyalty. Further, to question a lot of the fans loyalty to the band on this board is just stupid in my opinion.

Also, to want a shitty guitar player in the States so that people wouldn't praise Phil's work but then to turn around and hope that Richie can make the European dates is just about the most selfish thing I've heard of on this board.

Lastly, RSROCKS (maybe a little more so from 1983-2003) but he is still the shit when he wants to be.Just like Jon can be the shit when he wants to be.

Nobody will take Richie's place, BJ without Richie is not BJ, (statement I wouldn't make in the case of Tico or David).

And those of you that claim to love this band so much, stop being whiny and selfish, the man needs help so stop speculating and let him take the time he needs, it is more important that any gig here or in Europe or wherever. The new guy gets the job done, so your $$ won't go to waste.

I hope Richie is well as soon as can be. I must admit that Phil is a very capable sub-in, however, watching the vids, it sounded as though a tribute band guitarist got their dream fufilled and was playing with Bon Jovi. Thaqt being said, he clearly enjoyed himself. Also, I respect him for the class with which he's treated the situation.
Also, and I'm not sure anybody has said this, but I'm very glad that (so far as we know) Richie has not been hurt. He wasn't in a car accident that injured him or, god forbid, Ava, and he didn't break his arm (like last time) and he hasn't done any jailtime. I think that this may have been a precautionary measure, based on the fact that, as has been reported, his probation recently ended.
The guys have never steered me wrong before, and I trust they won't this time.
Get well soon Richie.