Motörhead legend Phil Campbell dies aged 64
Truly devastating news
Last updated 5 hours ago
Motörhead’s longest serving guitarist Phil Campbell has sadly died aged 64.
A statement from his sons and Todd, Dane and Tyler this morning (14th March) read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation.
“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as “Bampi.” He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.
“We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Paying tribute to his late Motörhead bandmate, Mikkey Dee wrote: "We got the news this morning, and it’s so extremely sad, about the sudden passing of my brother and dear friend, Phil Campbell.
"He was the funniest guy I have ever known and the best rock guitar player I have ever played with. His vibe and feel for rock music were outstanding. We wrote 12 studio albums together, and he never stopped surprising me with his extreme talent. Most of all, I will miss hanging out with the nicest guy you could ever meet.
"My family and I send our thoughts to Phil’s family. I truly wish them all the best for the future, and I will be right here if they ever need anything.
"Sleep well, my friend and rock soldier. Say hi to Lemmy, Würzel, Filthy and Eddie. I am sure you’ll be a crazy gang hanging out together again!"
Born in Pontypridd, South Wales on 7th May 1961, Phil Campbell joined Motörhead on 8th February 1984 following the departure of Brian Robertson.
Although Lemmy had only planned to recruit one new axeman at auditions, he decided to recruit both Phil and Michael "Würzel" Burston.
Less than a week after he joined Motörhead, Phil and his bandmates performed ‘Ace of Spades’ on the fabled Bambi episode of anarchic British sitcom The Young Ones, and the recording aired that May.
Phil remained a member of Motörhead for 31 years until the band disbanded in 2015 following the death of Lemmy. He played on every album from 1986’s ‘Orgasmatron’ through to 2015’s ‘Bad Magic’.
Post- Motörhead, he formed his eponymous band Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons in 2016 alongside sons Todd, Dane and Tyler, and vocalist Neil Starr.
Firm favourites at Planet Rock events Planet Rockstock and Winter’s End, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released three albums and their thunderous live shows melded their own material and Motörhead.
Phil also released the solo album ‘Old Lions Still Roar’ in 2019, which featured guest spots from Rob Halford, Dee Snider, Whitfield Crane, Nick Oliveri and Benji Webbe to name but a few.
In February, Phil has a string of tour dates with Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons on medical grounds.
RIP to the great Phil Campbell.