Ex-SKID ROW Drummer PHIL VARONE Is Ecstatic About His PLAYGIRL Debut

Former SKID ROW drummer Phil Varone, who recently reunited with his first band, SAIGON KICK, is featured on the cover of the December 2010 issue of Playgirl magazine.

Varone, who claims to have slept with over 3,000 women, is ecstatic about his Playgirl debut. Tattooed, raw and real, this 21st-century man is an actor, standup comedian, author, swinger, rock drummer and can now add Playgirl's first rocker centerfold to his many credits. Varone adds his irreverent edge and fierce sex appeal to the legendary magazine's image, taking the publication to the next level and baring himself completely, down to his swinging lifestyle. He's breaking ground not only as the first rocker to achieve Playgirl centerfold status, but also in bringing rock photographer Todd Kancar to the spread. The magazine will remain on newsstands through February 2011. The extensive 16-page feature consists of hardcore strip downs where Varone's no-holds-barred approach adds a special kind of controversy. In his intimate confessions, he reveals details about his swinging lifestyle in the hope of demystifying the taboos of sex.

"Ignorance toward this lifestyle is only fueled by lack of knowledge," said Varone. "The fact that we have sex with others has nothing to do with the core relationship, in fact it makes it stronger."

Varone is no stranger to the limelight or being known for deviating from the norm. Over the past couple years, he's appeared on a number of television shows, including "The Oprah Winfrey Show", NBC's "The Today Show", "The Tyra Banks Show" and "Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew", a VH1 spinoff of "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew". He’s also appeared as a guest star on a number of hit television shows, including "Californication" and "Numbers", and has performed standup at legendary venues like the Improv. Varone has also created and hosts the Sex Stand Up Rock And Roll Show.

"It's great to be channeling my sexual energy in a positive way," said Varone.

Varone's Playgirl debut reveals his naughty by nature ways for which his fans have come to adore him. The tantalizing spread combined with his witty persona breaks him through the status quo without sacrificing his beliefs.

"To be Mr. December just puts the icing on the cake," he said. "I've been having fun with my friends, telling them to address me as Mr. December from this point forward."

Phil recently responded to ex-SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach's claim that Varone's decision to pose nude for an Playgirl is "further proof that the name 'SKID ROW' has completely lost all credibility, cool, accuracy and is now devoid of all meaning in every way." Varone told the New York Post, "I'm grateful and proud of my time in SKID ROW and sorry [Sebastian] feels that way." Playgirl representative Daniel Nardicio defended Varone: "This coming from a man [Bach] who preceded David Hasselhoff in 'Jekyll & Hyde' on Broadway? Now that's the epitome of uncool."

Varone joined SKID ROW in 2000 — about four years after Bach parted ways with the group.