Motörhead Guitar Legend Phil Campbell Dies At 64 After Decades Of Shaping Heavy Metal History
Former Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has passed away at the age of 64.
The news of his passing was shared in an official statement from Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, the band that also features his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla Campbell.
The statement 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 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.
“We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Campbell, born in Pontypridd, Wales, in 1961, served as the guitarist for Motörhead from 1984 until the band came to an end in 2015 following the death of frontman Lemmy.
During his early years as a musician, Campbell drew inspiration from guitar legends including Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. At just 12 years old he attended a Hawkwind concert where Lemmy was performing on bass and vocals, later recalling how he even asked his future bandmate for an autograph.
He joined his first band, Contrast, when he was only 13, later performing with another local group called Rocktopus. In 1979 he co-founded the New Wave of British Heavy Metal band Persian Risk, appearing on two singles, 1981’s Calling for You and 1982’s Ridin’ High.
In 1984, after Motörhead guitarist Brian Robertson left the band, Campbell auditioned alongside fellow guitarist Michael ‘Würzel’ Burston. Lemmy later said he couldn’t choose between the two players, ultimately deciding to hire both of them. The pair first appeared on the band’s 1984 compilation No Remorse, contributing and performing on four new tracks.
Campbell made his full studio debut with Motörhead on the band’s 1986 album Orgasmatron. Over the following decades he would appear on 16 albums with the group, continuing through to their final studio release, 2015’s Bad Magic. After Würzel departed in 1995, Campbell remained the band’s sole guitarist.
Following Motörhead’s dissolution after Lemmy’s death in December 2015, Campbell launched Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons. The band released an EP and four full-length albums, the most recent being 2023’s Kings Of The Abyss. Campbell also issued a solo record titled Old Lions Still Roar in 2019.
“For about four months [after Motörhead broke up] I didn’t know what to do. I was so exhausted I considered retiring completely,” Campbell told Classic Rock in 2023. “But my eldest boy, Todd, had a thirtieth birthday party in Cardiff, there was a live band we got up and jammed some covers, and it felt so good we carried on. In fact the party was two years before Lem passed away, but it was the start of the Bastard Sons.”
In February 2026, the Bastard Sons cancelled a planned tour of Australia “due to medical advice Phil has just received”, writing: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is likely to cause our fans, but Phil’s health will always be our number one priority.”
Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee later paid tribute to his longtime bandmate.
“We got the news this morning, and it’s so extremely sad, about the sudden passing of my brother and dear friend, Phil Campbell,” wrote Dee on social media.
“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!”
Doro Pesch also shared a tribute, writing: “I’m at a loss for words. This is so sad… Phil, it was an honor to call you a friend. We will never forget you! Rest in peace!”
