Phil Campbell, the longtime guitarist for Motörhead, has died at the age of 64. He was a key member of the iconic band from 1984 until its dissolution following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister in 2015, becoming the longest-serving musician alongside Kilmister.
The news of his passing was shared via social media by his other band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, a group formed with his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla.
Campbell reportedly passed away due to complications following a surgery, though specific details have not been released.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed peacefully in the night [Friday, March 13], after a long and courageous battle in the ICU after a complex surgery,” the band wrote in a statement.
“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father and a proud and loving grandfather, affectionately known as ‘Bampi.’ He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be sorely missed. His legacy, his music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.
“We kindly ask that our privacy be respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
Concerns for Campbell’s health arose earlier this year when The Bastard Sons canceled a planned tour of Australia and Europe, scheduled for March and May. At the time, the band cited “medical recommendations that Phil had recently received” as the reason for the cancellation.
About Phil Campbell
Philip Anthony Campbell was born in Pontypridd, Wales. He first gained recognition in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene with the band Persian Risk, recording two singles with them between 1979 and 1984. Persian Risk also featured vocalist Carl Sentance, who later performed with Nazareth and Krokus.
His breakthrough came with an invitation to join Motörhead, where he remained a fixture from the mid-1980s until the band’s end. Initially sharing guitar duties with Michael “Würzel” Burston, he became the sole guitarist in 1995. Motörhead’s influence on heavy metal and rock continues to be felt today.
In addition to his function with his sons, Campbell released a solo album, “Old Lions Still Roar,” in 2019. He also collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Anthrax, Doro, Sepultura, Saxon, Cro-Mags, Crucified Barbara, Fozzy, Girlschool and Onslaught, among others.
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