“Phil X Breaks Silence: Replacing Richie Sambora in Bon Jovi Was No Stroke of Luck—Here’s the Truth Behind the Transition!”

Photo Credit: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images – Kevin Kane/Getty Images

During a recent appearance on The Guitar Hang Podcast, Phil X  said replacing Richie Sambora in Bon Jovi wasn’t just about luck.

“In 2011 I get a call from Jon Bon Jovi to fill in for Richie Sambora and you’re like ‘How the f*ck did that happen?’” the guitarist recalled. “But it did and then, Richie came back and then in 2013, he didn’t come back.”

He continued, “So I’ve been with Bon Jovi since but it’s one of those things, ‘Man, how am I doing this? How is this happening?’ Every time I go on stage, I’m having the time in my life and in front of 80,000 people or 20,000 people or… I mean it’s the arenas are 20 and the stadiums are 80 or Rock in Rio, which is 100 plus thousand.”

“You’re doing that and you’re just having the time of your life and I think that says a lot when you get to do something like that. So, every whatever got me here and whoever helped, thank you. I think I definitely put the work in. I’m not gonna say it was luck,” Phil X added.

This isn’t the first time the rocker talked about replacing Sambora. He explained at a Masterclass at Sweetwater in Fort Wayne, Indiana, last year, “I hit bad notes all the time. When it’s important, I really try not to, because I’m filling in for a guy [as] great [as] Richie Sambora from Bon Jovi.”

“And the very first time I played live on a 12-string — like, a 12-string is not my thing, man, but it had to be. We’re in the encores, and I did a smoking-awesome set. But if I screw up, there’s people going, ‘That sucks,’” Phil X further shared.

He then stated, “So, there’s things you don’t want to mess around with. I believe I went into the Bon Jovi thing with the right the right mindset. It was like, ‘Okay, you can’t stray from the solo of ‘Livin’ on a Prayer.’ It’s gotta be that solo. There’s no, ‘Hey, let’s jam this out.’”

Phil X recently collaborated with Bon Jovi on their latest album, ‘Forever.’ It was his third album with the band.

Richie Sambora Asks Fans To Stream His Song On Repeat To Help Out Wildfire Survivors

Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski/Getty

Richie Sambora asked fans to play his song on repeat on X to aid wildfire victims in Los Angeles.

“Hey everyone, it’s truly apocalyptic.. send out some love and peace to those who’ve lost it all and most of their lives .. their home, shelter, and raise families .atom bomb man. Everyone who steams ‘I Pray’ I’ll match the revenue to the cause.. u for Hope..,” the guitarist wrote in his tweet.

He added in a separate post, “Everyone who streams ‘I Pray’ I’ll match the renenue… so please put it on repeat.. the message righteous and needed… a lots people need some good intention. That’s sending positivity.. I Pray.”

“Not enough, the song was written for the people of the world, who conjure up compassion and find the courage to help others and be kind.. especially in California now. The brave women and men workin extra, who selflessly risk their lives..these everday angels savin us..Pray On!” Sambora also said.

Wildfires in the Los Angeles area have destroyed the homes of several rock musicians, including Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Brad Wilk of RATM, Joe Bonamassa, and others.

Ian wrote in an Instagram post, “Sending all our love to the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Over and over you risk your lives to save ours and I can’t thank you enough. Tonight is going to be a hellish night for so many. Stay safe my friends, that’s all that matters. Thank you to everyone that has been reaching out – Pearl, Revel, Grizzly and I evacuated and we’re safe.”

“Thanks to everyone reaching out. We are good, but had to evacuate last night. Hosed down the house and grabbed the humans and animals and split…. Oh, I did grab one thing from the house… this VH ‘Woman And Children First’ o.g. tee… very apropos. Everybody please be careful and stay safe,” Brad Wilk also shared.

Meanwhile, Sammy Hagar plans to do more than just donate money for the California fires, as he recently revealed on Instagram.

“‘He Had Issues’: Jon Bon Jovi Finally Breaks Silence on Richie Sambora’s Shocking Exit and the Feud That Rocked Their Legacy!”

In a recent chat with ET’s Nischelle Turner at the iHeart Studios in Los Angeles, Jon Bon Jovi discussed Richie Sambora’s departure from Bon Jovi.

The singer detailed the background of the guitarist’s 2013 exit from the band:

“There was never a fight. It was never about money; it was never about a girlfriend. He had issues… and he literally didn’t show up. We were playing for 20,000 people, and there’s a black hole on the stage.”

Bon Jovi Knew Sambora Had Issues To Deal With

Jon understood what Sambora had been going through, as he added:

“Substance abuse or anxieties or single parenting, all those things weighed on him, losing his dad. These were all very hard things. But in fairness, why would I take away the livelihoods of not only the band, but the 120 guys in the crew? Or the millions of people that bought a ticket? What am I going to do? Shut it down because you don’t want to go to rehab?”

The frontman also revealed that he and Sambora watched the start of the new limited series, ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’ together. Bon Jovi heard Sambora apologize on screen for leaving, and it helped their relationship heal over time. Jon knows that Richie’s choices weren’t made out of animosity.

Sambora Is Not Happy With How He Departed

In the trailer of the documentary, the guitarist talks about his departure, saying:

“I don’t regret leaving, but I regret how I did it… I went out of here, and what I meant was out of Bon Jovi.”

Sambora also told the following in the trailer:

“I’m excited. Are we telling the truth, or are we going to lie? What are we going to do?”

Later, speaking to New York’s Q104.3 radio station, Bon Jovi responded to Richie’s words, explaining:

“He told the truth. He told his truth, which, you know, if you really want to get on the psychiatrist couch with all of us, everybody’s truths are going to be shades of what they remember best, and I have no issues with anything that anybody said in the film. There’s nothing but love in the movie. But it’s honest, and it’s a reflection of who and what we are as boys who turned into men and are still here.”

Jon also previously noted that he and Richie didn’t talk a word during the filming of the documentary. They were in different places while giving the interviews. ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’ will premiere on April 26 on Hulu and internationally on Disney+.

The Untold Story of Bon Jovi’s Explosive Rise and Their Most Controversial Era

In the mid-1980s, few bands embodied the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll quite like Bon Jovi. Clad in snakeskin prints, leather, and unapologetic confidence, the New Jersey-born group defined the glam metal era with their infectious hooks and electrifying performances. However, behind the glitzy outfits and chart-topping hits lay a whirlwind of controversies, rivalries, and moments that would forever cement their legacy as one of the most iconic bands of all time.

This iconic image captures the band at the height of their fame, an era marked by their explosive success with Slippery When Wet. Songs like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” skyrocketed them into superstardom, but their meteoric rise wasn’t without its challenges. With Jon Bon Jovi front and center, radiating charisma and defiance, the band projected a larger-than-life persona that both thrilled fans and sparked polarizing reactions from critics.

During this era, Bon Jovi wasn’t just conquering the charts—they were taking over the world. The band’s image became a symbol of rebellion, sex appeal, and excess, yet it also drew sharp criticism for being “too commercial” in a time when rock purists valued grit and rawness over polished production. Despite the noise, Jon and his bandmates—Richie Sambora, David Bryan, Tico Torres, and Alec John Such—stood unapologetically tall, refusing to let anyone dictate their sound or style.

But the controversy didn’t stop at their music or fashion. Rumors swirled around the band’s internal dynamics, with whispers of ego clashes between Jon and Richie Sambora threatening to implode their unstoppable momentum. Industry insiders speculated that Jon’s growing dominance as the band’s face and voice created tension among the group, but the band managed to channel their struggles into unforgettable music and performances.

Perhaps the most shocking revelation from this era was the band’s willingness to push boundaries—both creatively and personally. Their legendary tours were marked by wild parties, over-the-top antics, and scandalous headlines, fueling their reputation as rock’s ultimate bad boys. Yet, beneath the chaos, Bon Jovi remained laser-focused on delivering music that resonated with millions.

Even decades later, this image of the band serves as a powerful reminder of their reign during a transformative time in rock history. Bon Jovi didn’t just survive the ‘80s—they dominated it, rewriting the rules for what it meant to be a rock band in an era of excess. Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying the impact they’ve left on music and culture.

And while the band’s sound and image have evolved since their glam rock days, this era remains one of their most iconic—and controversial—periods. It was the time when Bon Jovi wasn’t just a band; they were a revolution, unapologetically loud and undeniably unforgettable.

Legends Collide: The Iconic Jam Session That Left Fans Speechless

In an electrifying turn of events, music legends Jon Bon Jovi and the soulful Sam Moore shared the stage in a jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime performance that left the audience roaring for more. The photograph capturing the duo mid-song has since gone viral, igniting an explosion of fan frenzy and reigniting debates about the most legendary duets of all time.

Witnesses say the atmosphere was pure magic as the rock icon and soul maestro combined their unmatched talents, creating a performance that was not just music but an emotional experience. Jon, with his signature raspy vocals, and Sam, delivering his powerful soul-infused notes, created a fusion so flawless it seemed destined to happen. Fans could hardly believe their eyes—or their ears—as the two legends performed hit after hit, exuding chemistry that felt both natural and electrifying.

But what truly set tongues wagging was the apparent unrehearsed nature of the show. Sources close to the event revealed that this collaboration was a last-minute addition, making the seamless synergy between the two even more jaw-dropping. Sam, who at his age still commands an unparalleled stage presence, showed no signs of slowing down, while Jon’s energy lit up the room, proving why he remains one of rock’s most enduring icons.

This unexpected performance is already being touted as one of the greatest moments in live music history. Fans who attended are calling it “a spiritual awakening,” while those who missed out are left scouring the internet for every possible clip. Could this be the beginning of a new collaboration between the legends, or was it a fleeting moment of magic that will never be replicated? Either way, one thing is certain: this performance will go down in history as a night no one saw coming, but no one will ever forget.

Patrick, Brittany Mahomes announce birth of 3rd child

Golden Raye Mahomes was announced on social media

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes announced the birth of their third child on Monday.

The Kansas City Chiefs star and his wife made the announcement in a post on Instagram. The child’s name is Golden Raye Mahomes. Their two other children – a boy and a girl – are named Bronze and Sterling, respectively.

Brittany Mahomes was pregnant throughout the 2024 NFL season and still managed to show up at most of the Chiefs’ home games at Arrowhead Stadium to support the quarterback and the team.

Patrick seemed to be worried about the timing of the birth. She was set to have the child this week in which the Chiefs could have had a playoff game. Patrick may have been in line to miss the birth if Kansas City didn’t win the games it needed to have homefield advantage and a first-round bye in the postseason.

Luckily, the Chiefs wrapped that up against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

“I told my wife, my pregnant wife, I was gonna get the No. 1 seed so we can go have that baby,” he told Netflix’s Stacey Dales. “We got the one seed.”

Now, Mahomes and the Chiefs can focus on the playoffs and a shot at a third consecutive Super Bowl title.

See more >>>>

Golden child: Patrick, Brittany Mahomes welcome daughter Golden Raye during Chiefs’ playoff bye

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Fans cheer for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes after an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

3 of 3 | Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) speaks with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) after an NFL football game, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes is already having a golden playoffs and the Chiefs haven’t even played yet.

The two-time NFL MVP quarterback and his wife, Brittany, announced Monday the birth of their third child, a daughter that they named Golden Raye. She was born on Sunday while Kansas City was waiting to learn its divisional-round opponent.

The Chiefs, who are chasing an unprecedented third consecutive Lombardi Trophy, had the weekend off as the No. 1 seed. They will play the Houston Texans on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in a rematch of a game won by Kansas City last month.

The Mahomes’ have a daughter, 3-year-old Sterling, and a 2-year-old son named Bronze.

“I always wanted to have kids young,” Mahomes, whose father Patrick Mahomes Sr. spent 11 years pitching in the big leagues, said during an interview last year. “I got to grow up in the locker room. I mean, I’ve talked about it before, and it made such an impact in my life. And so I wanted to have kids young, and we’re having our third kid now to join the family.”

Patrick Mahomes said during an interview last month that he hoped the timing would work out so that their latest child would arrive during their bye week. Mahomes announced in a social media posting with his wife in July that they were expecting their third child, and about a week later they revealed that they were having another girl.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes have been together since high school. He went on to play quarterback at Texas Tech before the Chiefs made him a first-round pick in the 2017 draft, while she played soccer at the University of Texas-Tyler before a stint as a professional in Iceland. The couple wed in Hawaii in March 2022.

As for a fourth child? Well, the two-time NFL MVP put the thought to rest ahead of training camp last July.

“I’m done. I’ll say that,” Mahomes said with a grin. “I did three and I’m done.”

“Outrage Erupts!” 78-Year-Old Susan Sarandon Slammed for Daring Outfit That’s Shaking Social Norms!

So when people started questioning her decisions, she decided to school them.

Susan Sarandon has had an impressive career in Hollywood and is still going strong. Her role as Janet Weiss in the 1975 cult classic musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show cemented her worth as a talented actress.

After that, she went on to star in numerous movies, which earned her critical acclaim, including the much-loved Thelma & Louise. She received a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her portrayal in the film. The actress ultimately earned an Academy Award for her role in Dead Man Walking.

The actress has always been a proponent of body positivity and always likes to express herself with her fashion choices. She has quite an unapologetic personality and is vocal about the causes she supports.

It was during a red carpet event that the actress was wearing a white jacket with a black bra which raised some eyebrows. A journalist went as far as to say her outfit was “totally inappropriate.”

But instead of trying to defend herself with words, the actress decided to use a picture.

She posted an old picture of herself in her underwear, proudly displaying her figure. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and Sarandon shut up anyone who was questioning what was ‘appropriate’ for her and what wasn’t.

The actress is not bothered about aging and focuses on what feels important to her. She said in an interview, “When your sense of time has an ending and isn’t finite, like how it feels when you’re young.” She added, “When you have an understanding that time is precious—you have a tendency not to waste energy on the small stuff and only to surround yourself with people who are vital, curious, brave, and adventurous.”

As for what she does to maintain her beauty, she simply said, “If you want to age gracefully, probably laugh a lot, and get the normal amount of exercise, and eat well and stay out of the sun would be the main things,” Sarandon stated. But the actress added, as is having an amazing makeup and hair team to help you keep looking good.

“Disgusting Effort”” Celtics Fans Blast Jrue Holiday as Joe Mazzulla Exposes Deepening Crisis Within the Team!

The Celtics are under a lot of pressure to win. Obviously, they were the best team in the NBA last year, which has put a target on their back this season. Although they have done a decent job holding on to that second spot in the East standings, a loss like tonight truly exposes their weakness.

Yes, we are talking about the embarrassing blowout loss against the Kings. Sure enough, it has left a worried Celtics Nation pointing fingers at Jrue Holiday as he struggled to make any impact on the floor.

Well, the entire Celtics roster had a tough offensive night, unable to cross the triple-digit mark. But it was Holiday who looked the most out of rhythm among all the starters as he finished with only 5 points on merely four shot attempts. Obviously, fans were not pleased with his lack of production and turned on him as tweets like “Jrue Holiday is not a 5 point a game player. Disgusting effort,” began flooding in.

The same disappointed fan also criticized superstars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum for their underwhelming performances. Sure, JB scored 28 points, the most out of all the players who stepped on the court. But his effort never put the Cs back in the game. Meanwhile, Tatum finished with only fifteen points and was a “turnover machine” with eight turnovers. It was shocking to see the reigning champs struggle on their own home court.

Even Joe Mazzulla admitted to the team’s rising problems after the game: “I would say having inefficient offense puts pressure on your defense… If you’re gonna shoot 28% from three, you’re gonna have to do a bunch of other things really really really well and it puts pressure on your defense throughout the game.”

While three-point shooting has always been the Celtics’ strength under Mazzulla’s leadership, their efficiency has fallen drastically in recent games. Tonight, they shot an abysmal 11 of 41 from deep range. Even the best teams cannot bounce back with such a terrible shooting performance.

NBA World slams “Washed” Jrue Holiday and urges the Celtics to make a trade

Unfortunately, Holiday caught the brunt of the criticism because of his performance as one netizen wrote, “Jrue Holiday getting hit with a case of the washed,” while another said, “Jrue holiday sold. That ish off.”

Mind you, this is the same player who was being praised only a few months ago for helping the Cs win a title in his first season. Although there is no doubting Holiday’s talent, he is 34 years old now and past his prime. And his scoring average has also dropped to 12.2 points.

Moreover, his efficiency from deep range has dropped to 34.3 points, which is why fans have begun doubting if he can still be a key piece on a championship team. One netizen even highlighted that Jrue has the worst regression in three-point percentage among all the stars on the team, as the entire roster’s efficiency continues to decline.

Seeing the Boston franchise struggle, one fan even urged the Celtics to make a trade and add a new piece. Maybe trading away Holiday could get them that key player. But that is unlikely to happen because Jrue just inked a massive extension last summer, proving that the team has faith in him.

Hopefully, he will be able to prove them right by helping the Celtics end this shooting slump and get back to playing at a high level. What are your thoughts?

Jayson Tatum Left Speechless by Reporter’s Brutal Comment as Celtics Coach Addresses Bizarre Team Behavior!

USA Today via Reuters

The 15th-seeding Pelicans almost defeated the Celtics at TD Garden. This isn’t the first time that the C’s have produced a few shocking performances this season. Notably, the loss against Trae Young-less Hawks at home. Last night was one such performance where it seemed like the team was adamant about throwing the game away. Especially when Jayson Tatum pulled off a blunder in the clutch. While Coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the growing concern, JT shrugged it off, unfazed.

With 13 seconds left in the game, The C’s held a 3-point lead and Tatum could make it 5 with two free throws. Shockingly, the superstar tanked both of them. A reporter after the game, without any hesitation, questioned JT’s lapse in clutch. In return, the superstar shrugged it off, saying, “Uncharacteristic, missing those two free throws. Just put the game away, no excuse for that, but I mean, I made countless plays to win games and stuff over my career.” 

Above all, Jayson Tatum added, “Wasn’t happy about that but we still won.” While the team’s centerpiece was happy with the way the game ended, Coach Joe Mazzulla wasn’t exactly happy. In fact, he picked up a pattern. Following Tatum’s free fumble, the C’s still had a strong chance to win the game until Derrick White conceded a turnover with a 5-second violation on an inbound pass with 6 seconds remaining on the clock and the home team leading the game by one point. Fortunately, the Pels missed the game-winning bucket.

Pointing out the team’s fading effort, Mazzulla said, “There were mistakes with effort and but when you have a few games in the bank where you make mistakes without effort, it’s harder to, you know, accept.” Moreover, Mazzulla also revealed the growing concern in the defending champions’ locker room.

This month, the Celts have a 4-2 record which is quite underwhelming for the defending champions. In fact, in the last 10 games, the team has 4 losses. It’s indeed an alarming sign. Notably, a few of those losses came against teams that were struggling to find their footing like the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jayson Tatum Breaks Silence Over Boston’s Unusual Behavior as Joe Mazzulla Doubles Down on Celtics Mentality

via Imago

Speaking of the situation, Joe Mazzula said, “It’s been a challenging month and so when you’re in a challenging month, you need situations like this to be able to work through it.” The championship looked to find positives out of this close win over the Pels.

Mazzulla further added, “I think I told the guys it’s a great space to be in, you know, we are whatever the heck our record is, and, you know, the standard is high, the expectation is high, and, you know, we’re in a challenging spot and it’s a great place to be in.” So, will the Celts learn their lesson from last night’s close win? Will Jayson Tatum comeback harder in response to the clutch fumble? Let us know in the comments below.

“Jon Bon Jovi Stares Down His Past: The Rock God of the 80s Immortalized in a Stunning Portrait—You Won’t Believe How He Feels About It Now!”

Jon Bon Jovi, the iconic rock legend, recently posed beside a captivating painting of his younger self, reigniting nostalgia for an era when his electrifying voice and magnetic stage presence defined a generation. The juxtaposition of the current-day Bon Jovi, dressed casually with a warm smile, and the powerful black-and-white portrait of his 80s rock persona captures the journey of a man who has balanced superstardom with an enduring sense of authenticity.

The painting, which highlights Bon Jovi in his classic leather jacket and untamed hair while gripping a microphone mid-performance, evokes the height of his fame during the 1980s and 90s. It was a time when Bon Jovi’s anthems like Livin’ on a Prayer and You Give Love a Bad Name were the soundtrack of rebellious youth across the globe.

Standing beside the artwork, Bon Jovi’s relaxed demeanor contrasts with the raw energy immortalized in the portrait. It’s a visual representation of how the rock star has evolved—from the fiery frontman of the world’s biggest band to a grounded family man and philanthropist.

This image is more than just a tribute to his past; it’s a celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire. Fans who’ve followed Bon Jovi’s journey can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and admiration. The man who once ruled arenas now stands as a symbol of resilience, passion, and the power of staying true to oneself despite the whirlwind of fame.

As the photo circulates online, fans are flooding comment sections with messages of love and respect. Many remark on how the painting captures not just his youthful looks but also the enduring spirit that made him a rock legend. Jon Bon Jovi proves, yet again, that the magic of his music and persona transcends time.