Iconic Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died.
The legendary musician has died at the age of 64 following a “long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex operation”, a statement announced today. The statement was shared by Phil Campbell and The B*****d Sons, Phil’s band which features his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla Campbell.
Phil was best known for long-standing role as Motorhead’s guitarist, which saw him perform with the band from 1984 until 2015 when the group disbanded after the band’s founder Lemmy died.
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The statement was shared to the band’s Instagram account which posted a photo of Phil and his wife Gaynor. It 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.” The statement ended with: “We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
In the comments, celebrity friends and fans paid tribute to the legendary musician. Guitarist Chris Caffery, who has performed alongside Motorhead, commented: “RIP to my favorite rock star ever. Truly saddened by this news. My prayers and hugs to his family.
“Thank you Phil for your priceless inspiration. Your friendship was cherished by me always. The opportunity you gave me to perform onstage with Motörhead has an even deeper part of my heart now as you join Lemmy as one of our angels. Thank you for the stories and the jokes and the ways to always make me smile and laugh no matter where or when it was that I saw you! We’ve lost a priceless legend. One of a kind…in my heart and soul forever!”
While guitarist Alex Skolnick added: “My memories of him with @officialmotorhead are fond (and some of the funniest tour stories) My condolences the whole Phil camp. A true original onstage and off. RIP PC”.
Pontypridd-born Phil found a passion for music during his childhood, learning to play the guitar at the age of 10. He was inspired by Jimmy Hendrix and Tony Iommi, from Black Sabbath as well as Jimmy Page from Led Zepplin. Phil began playing semi-professionally by the age of 13, performing with a cabaret band called Contrast. He also helped found band Persian Risk before going on to join Motorhead in 1984.
Phil auditioned for the group at the same time as Michael “Würzel” Burston. Both were accepted into the band, which turned it into a quartet. Phil was the band’s longest-standing guitarist until they disbanded in 2015.
The guitarist then formed a band with his sons called Phil Campbell And The B*****d Sons in 2016 – releasing four albums while Phil also released a solo album in 2019. The group pulled out of their scheduled headlining appearance at Takedown Festival due to Phil’s health.
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