Phil X Hints at New Bon Jovi Album and Upcoming tour: Get Ready for Epic Solos!
Speculation surrounding a fresh Bon jovi album has been buzzing in the music community for quite a while. When we had the chance to chat with Phil X at NAMM 2025 last month, we couldn’t resist probing him about the validity of these rumors.
During an engaging discussion with Guitar World’s Michael Astley-Brown, the seasoned guitarist confirmed that the whispers about new material from the iconic rock band are indeed accurate.
“Heard a rumor? You’re spot on!” Phil X exclaimed while demonstrating his J. Rockett PXO overdrive pedal. “I can’t share too much, but you’re definitely on the right path.”
The upcoming Bon Jovi tracks will follow the release of Forever in 2024, which marked the band’s 16th studio album and the third featuring Phil X since he took over guitar duties from Richie Sambora in 2016.
While the previous album showcased Phil X’s electrifying guitar work—just listen to the track Living Proof for a taste—this new project promises to elevate his playing to even greater heights. Jon Bon Jovi himself has requested “more Phil X” during the recording of a solo, indicating a shift towards a more expressive and dynamic sound.
“There’s one track where I was encouraged to really let loose,” Phil X shared. “Rather of the usual feedback of ‘play less,’ it was more like, ‘At the end of the solo, can you go full Phil X?’ I was taken aback and thoght, ‘Okay, but who are you?’”
Phil recalls that it was Jon Bon Jovi who urged him to unleash his creativity: “He specifically said, ‘I want more Phil X. Play something unique that stands out.’”
As discussions about a new album unfold, the topic of a potential tour naturally arises, and Phil X was forthcoming about this possibility as well.
“There are plans in motion,” he teased when asked about a tour. “Nothing is set in stone yet, but they’re definitely working on it.”
A Bon Jovi tour would be a notable event, especially considering the band hasn’t hit the road since 2022, when Jon had to take time off to recover from surgery on his vocal cords, a journey documented in the revealing film Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story.
Just last year, Jon expressed his eagerness to tour again, emphasizing that it would hinge on his recovery progress. thankfully, Phil X’s comments suggest that things are looking promising on that front.
