The longtime Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died at the age of 64.
The news was announced by both Motörhead and Campbell’s subsequent band Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons earlier today (March 14), who confirmed that he passed away on Friday night after a spell in intensive care after a “complex major operation”.
Motörhead wrote that Campbell was “a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motörhead in his veins”, adding: “He always led with his gift of guitar, and carried a great sense of humour, but most of all, Phil led with his heart. You could not be around him without a chuckle or twenty, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy.”
“There will be plenty of time for us to share stories – tales of Campbell glory – and some damn good jokes together; for now, please send love and positive energy to Gaynor and the boys while affording them time, space, and privacy. Much love and RIP Phil. The world has just lost an enormous beam of light, and we are devastated,” they added.
Campbell first formed the heavy metal band Persian Risk in the late ‘70s before being personally recruited to join Motörhead by Lemmy in 1984 after the exit of previous guitarist Brian Robertson.
His first recording with the band was 1986’s ‘Orgasmatron’ and he went on to lend his trademark muscular riffs to a total of 16 studio albums. He remained in the band for 31 years, until they disbanded after Lemmy’s death in 2015, and he was part of their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
Campbell went on to form Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons in 2019, releasing three albums. They had been due to tour earlier this year, but the dates were cancelled due to medical advice.
The Bastard Sons have paid tribute, writing: “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.”
Mikkey Dee, who played drums with Motörhead from 1992 until Lemmy’s death, has also written an emotional social media tribute.
“We got the news this morning, and it’s so extremely sad, about the sudden passing of my brother and dear friend, Phil Campbell,” Dee wrote. “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!”