Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died at the age of 64.
The rocker’s passing after “a complex major operation” was announced on Saturday (14.03.26) by the social media accounts of his band Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons – the group he fronted with his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla Campbell.
A statement 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.”
Campbell was born in Pontypridd, Wales in 1961 and started playing the guitar at the age of 10. He spent five years with the heavy metal band Persian Risk during the late 1970s before being recruited by Lemmy Kilmister to join Motorhead in 1984 following the departure of guitarist Brian Robertson.
The musician would remain a member of the Ace of Spades band for 31 years until they disbanded following Lemmy’s death in 2015 – recording 16 studio albums with the group and contributing riffs to tracks such as Deaf Forever and Born to Raise Hell.
After Motorhead disbanded, Campbell released his first solo album Old Lions Still Roar in 2019 and released three records as frontman of the Bastard Sons.
Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee took to social media to pay tribute to his longtime band-mate.
The 62-year-old musician wrote on Instagram: “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, Wurzel (Michael Burston), Filthy (Phil Taylor) and Eddie (Clarke). I am sure you’ll be a crazy gang hanging out together again!”