Phil X is a Canadian musician renowned for his lead guitar work with Bon Jovi and extensive session contributions to numerous artists.
Legendary Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X has signed with Gibson as a brand ambassador, joining Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains, and moving from Framus.
Yamaha launched a signature guitar model for Phil X, the SG1801PX9, in 2012.
Framus released a signature XG model guitar for Phil X in 2015.
Phil X endorses Cleartone Treated Guitar Strings.
Phil X endorses Everly Star Picks.
Phil X designed four custom pickups (PX-90, PX-100, PX-8, PX-SUPER 8) in conjunction with pickup manufacturer Arcane, Inc., which are available for sale on his official website.
Phil X uses Friedman amplification and has his own signature amplifier, the Friedman X.
Theofilos Xenidis, known professionally as Phil X, was born on March 10, 1966, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Greek-Canadian parents. Growing up in Mississauga, Ontario, he began his musical career in 1982 by forming the hard rock and heavy metal band Sidinex, which later became Flip City before disbanding. His early career included touring with Randy Coven in 1990 and Aldo Nova in 1991, followed by a significant period with Triumph from 1992 to 1993, where he recorded “Edge of Excess.” Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Phil X established himself as a prolific session guitarist, contributing to albums for major artists such as Our Lady Peace, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Avril Lavigne, and Kelly Clarkson. He also formed his own power-pop band, Powder, releasing three albums between 2002 and 2008, and later his band, Phil X & The Drills, in 2006.
In 2011, Phil X began a pivotal phase of his career when he stepped in for Bon Jovi’s lead guitarist Richie Sambora, performing on 13 dates after Sambora entered rehab. He continued to fill in for Sambora on the US and European legs of the 2013 tour, including major dates at the Isle of Wight Festival and Hyde Park BST, as well as legs in South Africa, South America, and Australia. His consistent performance and connection with the band and fans led to him officially becoming a full-time member of Bon Jovi in 2016. As an official member, he has contributed to their studio albums “This House Is Not for Sale” (2016), “2020” (2020), and “Forever” (2024), solidifying his role within the iconic rock band.
Beyond his work with Bon Jovi, Phil X has maintained an active presence in the music industry. He was inducted into the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame in 2019, recognizing his musical contributions. His technical skill and unique approach to guitar, including his preference for bridge pickups and P-90s, have made him a respected figure among guitar enthusiasts. He has also engaged in equipment endorsements, developing signature guitars with Yamaha and Framus, and becoming a brand ambassador for Gibson in 2019. His YouTube channel, featuring demonstrations of rare and vintage guitars, has garnered over 30 million views, further highlighting his influence and expertise in the guitar community.
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