Phil X , the guitarist for Bon Jovi , The Drills , and with a brilliant stint in Triumph , took advantage of his trip to Brazil for the Rock in Rio and São Paulo shows to hold guitar workshops for fans and enthusiasts of the instrument.
Phil, originally from Toronto, is one of those guitarists who create and record solos, riffs, and melodies on acclaimed rock and pop albums worldwide, but remain in the background. The list of artists he has played with is immense: Tommy Lee, Methods of Mayhem, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Orianthi, Robustezes Zombie, Chris Daughtry, Alice Cooper, Thousand Foot Krutch , among others.
Phil has been playing with Bon Jovi since 2011, when he was called in at the last minute to replace Richie Sambora and continue the band's extensive tour of the United States and Europe. A respected name, the guitarist has even appeared on American talk shows alongside Jon Bon Jovi, such as those hosted by Ellen DeGeneres and Jay Leno .
In Brazil, Phil spoke with Wikimetal about his musical experiences, Bon Jovi, and workshops. Check it out:
– WM: You're in Brazil for the Bon Jovi tour and to do your guitar workshop. Which event excites you the most?
Phil X: I feel very fortunate to be able to play huge shows with a band like Bon Jovi. And since I hate days off, it's amazing to have the opportunity to do workshops in two cities. It's a fantastic way to connect with fans in a more intimate way. I love sharing and exchanging secrets with young and ambitious new musicians.
WM: What's a workshop with Phil X like?
It's like having coffee with Phil X… and a guitar. Sure, I discuss my technique, how and where I get my ideas. Studio tricks, tones, etc. But I also play, and the questions and answers are always informative and fun.
– WM: Do you have any advice for people who want to start playing guitar?
Everyone's heard, "practice, practice, practice," and it's true. But WHAT you practice is even more important. Constantly challenge yourself. Play with others as much as you can. And, at the top of the list, find your own voice.
– WM: You've played with different artists like Tommy Lee, Methods of Mayhem, Avril Lavigne, and Kelly Clarkson. Which collaboration will you never forget?
In truth, they are all unforgettable. But Chris Cornell was the best of them all. As soon as I heard his voice in 1990 I was like, “WHAT???”. Working with him will always have a place in my heart, especially since he is no longer with us.
– WM: What was it like for you being the “new guy” in Bon Jovi, replacing Richie Sambora?
It was all very respectful. To the band, the music, the fans, Richie. I knew that if I kept that mindset, everything would work out well. People still occasionally say, "I miss Richie," and as a fan of the band, I miss him too.
– WM: Were you afraid of anything when you joined the band?
I didn't have time to be scared (laughs). I was just thrown into the middle of the fire.
– WM: What's the difference between playing with Bon Jovi and playing with The Drills?
The mentality is different. With The Drills, I'm in charge. I'm selling my lyrics to the audience with my voice. And playing guitar 100% my way. With Jovi, Jon is in charge. I still connect with the audience, but more from a deeper level. Also, I can't go full Phil X on guitar because it doesn't quite fit (laughs).
– WM: What was your experience with Triumph like?
Like all experiences, there were highs and lows. I still keep in touch with Gil Moore and Mike Levine. It was great because they are incredible people. I learned a lot from both of them, and when we did the shows, we all had fantastic times. The downside was that we were very short on time, so I couldn't contribute to the album as much as I wanted. And when the album was released, the band and the record label had a falling out, and it was pulled from stores. It didn't stand a chance without marketing or publicity.
– WM: What is it like for you to travel the world, meet new people and see new places?
There's nothing better than this. I'm grateful that I'm not as well-known as Jon, David, or Tico yet. I can still walk around the city without being bothered. I have a coffee, people-watch, go to a guitar shop. I can do normal tourist things, like go to a museum if I feel like it. I love learning about the cultures of different countries.
– WM: What's the best experience you've had in your music career? That's always a difficult question to answer, but I'll tell you about one of the best.
Playing at the arena in my hometown, the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. Seeing my 82-year-old mother in the audience with the biggest smile on her face. Since my youth, she's always worried about me following my dreams as a musician. I don't think she worries anymore.
