That's like saying because Jon was once an unbelievable vocalist, he's still one! The evidence suggests otherwise!

I think that you have misunderstood my comment. I'm not saying that Richie is better now or something, just say I can not say that Phil is a great guitarist simply because it plays the songs of this new album properly. Guitar work on the album is not great, is not impressive, live work is just right and well executed. But no there greatness on guitar with these songs, and Phil did not get out of the script, unless that count a smile.


The only good thing is that Phil is a safe guitarist as John Shanks, and I'm sure Jon is happy for that, but there is nothing special with the new material you are playing. ah, even the most reliable, can go wrong. Come On Up to Our House, Phil fail again in New York.

Phil X could be a great guitarist, it has potential, but this will not see it in the Jon's band. Richie was more than a great guitarist in this band.

Richie is Coca Cola, Phil is Coke Zero.

Have you watched any Fretted Americana videos with Phil X? If not, then there's no point in judging the man's ability based solely on what he does within the structured confines of the band. He's a very solid guitarist, but a better lead man - he can multi-task lead vocals and guitar much better than Richie.

Richie is more Coke..

Bon Jovi isn't Phil project. Watch The drills stuff Rolo if you want to judge him more. Obviously he won't compare to Saint Richie for you, but at least give him a fair crack

This. Richie WAS a better guitarist. Phil IS.

Richie being iconic has nothing to do with Phil being better these days.

The only good thing about all this is that not Bobby on the band. I love Bandiera albums and its role in Southside Johnny, but did not fit on Bon Jovi, just he was on board by his friendship with Jon.

The Drills songs is rocking, but no amazing songs, only funny songs with sound awesome. Its good, its ok. But Sambora songs is better for me.

Phil could lead to another level the Bon Jovi sound, more higher from the viewpoint of rock, but Jon still chasing the popy sound.

Yes, he's a good guy and talented, but not doing something amazing for now, only sticks to the plan. so I see so many comments about Phil, somewhat exaggerated.

Yeah, I agree.

Fixed.....

I think that friendship's kind of cracked a bit. Bobby wasn't there for the last short tour (and some recording sessions) due to him going through a divorce and most likely missed some recording sessions around that time as well. Hence Matt O'Ree joining last year. We all know that Bobby had put on weight massively during the past year or so and Jon wanted him to get back in decent shape for future tours, to which Bobby more or less just flipped him the finger.
I actually guess that's one of the reasons we now have Everett Bradley on board since he can back Jon a lot vocally.

Interesting!!! Are you sure about all this?

Didn't Jon use Bobby at a few charity shows after that mini tour?

Also, Bobby's wife goes to all the local shows and I could have sworn I've seen her at one of the summer gigs... But it's not like I look for her so I'm not 100% sure...

I just thought Bobby went gray because Jon went gray...

Yeah even after Matt "joined" Bobby was still the go to sideman until Phil started going out to those so I don't know how factual these thoughts are. bonjovi90 can you please clarify if this is opinion based or if you know something?

Yep, pretty much. One of the band members of Bounce met one of the "hired hands" currently in the band (not Jon, Dave or Tico) and they had a long talk and discussion about many music topics. Somewhere inbetween that information had rather accidently slipped out.

Whoops - Show Put In The Correct Thread:

Almost Full Show... Real Love missing and some Jon chatter towards the end otherwise pretty decent audience qualities considering the sources...

If anyone stumbles across Real Love, please post so I can add it...

Some of these Toronto performance are Jon's best of the collection...Enjoy!!!!


https://mega.nz/#F!k55iwbpZ!VD2yxbLBEDNXKoPmH76R0Q