Former Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died at the age of 64.
His demise was introduced through a press release from Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, the band additionally that includes his sons Todd, Dane andTyla Campbell.
The assertion reads: “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 cherished by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on without end.
“We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
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Campbell, who was born in Pontypridd, Wales, in 1961, was the guitarist in Motörhead from 1984 to their demise in 2015, following the demise of frontman Lemmy,
Influenced by guitarists akin to Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix, he co-founded NWOBHM band Persian Risk in 1979, enjoying on two singles, 1981’s Calling for You and 1982’s Ridin’ High.
In 1984, he auditioned for Mo†örhead alongside fellow guitarist Michael ‘Würzel’ Burston. The pair made their debut on 1984 compilation No Remorse, co-writing and enjoying on 4 new songs.
Campbell made his full studio debut on Motörhead’s 1986 album Orgasmatron. He would go on to play on 16 album with the band, as much as 2015’s Bad Magic. After the departure of Würzel in 1995, he was the band’s sole guitarist.
After Motörhead disbanded following Lemmy’s passing in December 2015, Campbell fashioned Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, going on to launch an EP and 4 albums, the most up-to-date of which was 2023’s Kings Of The Abyss. He additionally launched a solo album, Old Lions Still Roar, in 2019.
In February 2026, the Bastard Sons cancelled a tour of Australia “due to medical advice Phil has just received”., including: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is likely to cause our fans, but Phil’s health will always be our number one priority.”
