Phil X Reveals What Bon Jovi Told Him About Retirement Plans, Explains Why He Thinks Richie Sambora Might Return

“Not that I’m worried about anything, but I think more of a possibility.”

During an appearance on Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon, Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X – who joined the fold in 2016 after three years as a touring member – discussed his plans outside the band in case of retirement or his services are no longer needed.

Phil is also working with his band The Drills. He commented (transcribed by UG):

“I’m ready for anything. I’ve always been doing The Drills – been doing it since 2003, it was just always underground. At one point, it was beneath what I had to do with another band I had going on with my ex-wife.
“And then when that ended I put more time into it, and then Bon Jovi happened, so it’s kind of like on the backseat – ‘Hey, I’m gonna put this record out.’ ‘No, you’re not. We’re going on tour.’

“So everything gets put on hold, it’s on the back burner. So now is a good time to get the drills going. COVID sucked because we were on tour in the UK and instead of doing eight shows in the UK and then going to Europe to do eight shows, we had to come home.
“And then you’re sitting around, and I’m quarantined away from my family for two weeks, but I’m prepared for anything.
“Jon has said to me, ‘Dude, I’m gonna go for another 20 years, I can do this for another 20 years.’
“I’m not worried about him retiring. And not that I’m worried about anything, but I think more of a possibility – even though everybody will deny it – I think, what are the biggest-selling concert tours? Reunions.
“So if enough money comes down, who knows, maybe Jon and Richie [Sambora, guitar] will kiss and make up.”