Rock legend Ted Nugent has offered effusive praise for modern guitarists. He specifically highlighted Bon Jovi’s Phil X as one of the greatest to ever pick up an instrument. During a recent interview, Nugent broke down the roots of his signature “fat and rich” guitar tone. He attributed it to classic icons like Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billy Gibbons, and Leslie West. The outspoken veteran emphasized the importance of technique and right-hand mastery. His guitar licks are “cool as hell” and among “the best in the world,” he noted.
Nugent’s most striking comments centered on the current generation of guitarists. “Going back to Chuck Berry and what the guitar players of today—I’m leaving out some guitar players—Oh, Phil X who just did the Triumph tour. Now he’s out with Bon Jovi. These guitar players now are the best guitar players that have ever lived and they all inspire me,” Nugent stated. The recognition underscores a significant shift in how veteran musicians view contemporary talent. Modern players are now positioned not merely as worthy successors but as equals or superiors to the legends who came before them.
Phil X’s ascent to such recognition represents a remarkable journey in the music industry. The Canadian-born guitarist, whose full name is Phil Xenidis, spent years establishing himself as one of the most prolific session musicians in Los Angeles. He later joined Bon Jovi. His early career included touring with Aldo Nova in the early 1990s and recording with the Canadian rock band Triumph. These experiences helped him develop the technical proficiency and versatility that would later define his career. A chance meeting with Jon Bon Jovi during his time with Aldo Nova led to a session recording the song “Levon” for the compilation album Two Rooms. This planted the seeds for a relationship that would eventually transform his career.
Phil X’s official entry into Bon Jovi came in 2013 when he replaced founding guitarist Richie Sambora during the “Because We Can” tour. What began as a temporary fill-in position evolved into a permanent role. He contributed guitar tracks to the 2014 album “This House Is Not For Sale,” officially cementing his status as a band member. Since then, he has become an integral part of Bon Jovi’s sound. He puts what he describes as his “thumbprint” on multiple songs across the band’s recent records. His tenure with the legendary New Jersey rock band now spans over a decade. During this time, he has performed “Livin’ on a Prayer” countless times—a song that still gives him goosebumps despite the thousands of performances.
Beyond his work with Bon Jovi, Phil X has maintained an impressive portfolio of session work. He has recorded and performed with an extensive list of major artists including Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Cornell, and Daughtry, among many others. This diverse experience has allowed him to develop distinctive techniques that set him apart from his peers. These include his signature bouzouki tuning, innovative string pull technique, and creative use of chromatic and pentatonic scales. Additionally, Phil X continues to front his own band, Phil X & The Drills. The band has released multiple albums and maintains an active touring schedule, demonstrating his commitment to artistic independence alongside his responsibilities with Bon Jovi.
The recognition from Ted Nugent reflects Phil X’s standing within the broader rock community. He is a musician who has earned respect through both technical mastery and professional dedication. His journey from Canadian session player to the lead guitarist of one of the world’s most successful rock bands exemplifies the rewards of patience, adaptability, and unwavering respect for musical legacy. Phil X represents the caliber of talent that continues to elevate rock music in the contemporary era. He proves that the best guitarists are not confined to any single generation.
