Frontman mentions guitarist’s absence just once as session man Phil X stands in… and some reviews say Richie wasn’t missed
Stand-in: Guitarist Phil X / Photo: Phil Hatten (Snook)
Bon Jovi last night played their first show without Richie Sambora – and frontman Jon Bon Jovi only mentioned the troubled guitarist briefly during their encore.
The band announced on Friday that their North American and European tour would go ahead without Sambora, who’s checked into rehab to deal with alcohol issues.
Bon Jovi hit the stage at the New Orleans Jazz Festival on Saturday evening with former Triumph guitarist and session man Phil X on lead guitar, with no mention made of Sambora’s absence until near the end of their performance.
As they launched into a rendition of Livin’ on a Prayer, Bon Jovi told the crowd: “I’m sending this out to our brother Richie.”
He made a remark which could have alluded to the resent drama when, during a pause in the show, he asked the audience: “And what’s been happening in your life?”
The singer had more to say about his own longevity, taking a swing at the new generation of pop stars including Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga. He said: “I remember when there was a Justin Timberle – and I was there before there was a Madonna. Things change but there’s only one constant. You’re looking at it.”
Some press reviews were of the opinion Sambora simply wasn’t missed. Keith Spera of the Times-Picayune said: “Phil was a more than capable stand-in. He worked hard to delivery a show that was more electric and more satisfying than Bon Jovi’s 2009 Jazz Fest set.”
Melinda Newman of Spinner commented: “The band started their tour without missing a beat. Phil X was extremely proficient and they kept the tempo upbeat throughout, knocking out one arena-rock anthem after the next with a polished precision.”
And fan Shelly Walker told USA Today: “I don’t care. The band is called Bon Jovi – not Richie and the Other Guys.”
It’s thought Phil X, 45, will take part in the rest of the band’s summer touring schedule. Along with his stint in Triumph he’s worked with Rob Zombie, Tommy Lee’s Methods of Mayhem, Alice Cooper, Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne. Motley Crue drummer Lee has called X “My favourite guitar player.”
[...] Bon Jovi to finish tour without Richie Sambora Jovi’s scant nod to Sambora • Rock News Desk NOLA.com : Bon Jovi rocked even without Richie Sambora at the New Orleans Jazz [...]
i would be choked if i went to their concert and NO richie – he is part of bon jovi. I seen them in vancouver and its RICHIE, JON TICO AND DAVID, not jon phil david and tico
Nice photo of Phil X. It was taken by a photographer known as SNOOK, which is actually designer Phil Hatten.
thay realy had no choice but to continue tour. if they cancelled lots of people would be dissappointed. jon is such a professional that i ‘m not surprised that the concert went well. i would love to see a bon jovi concert.
He should change the name of the band to Jon Bon jovi – the band is no more it’s the Jon show. Richie Sambora is the talent and that’s my opinion. Jon can’t even sing anymore and the hits don’t even sound like the same songs. From hard rock to pop- from good to bad. People change but songs don’t have to…just ask Paul Stanley mr. Jovi!
[...] Source: rocknewsdesk [...]