Phil Campbell, the longtime guitarist of Motörhead, has died at the age of 64.
According to a statement from his family, Campbell passed away peacefully on Friday night (March 13th) “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,’” the statement added. “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.”
Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984 following the departure of Brian Robertson. Lemmy had initially intended to hire just one guitarist as Robertson’s replacement, but after auditions, he opted for a two-guitar lineup featuring Campbell and Michael “Würzel” Burston. That configuration remained in place until Würzel left the band in 1995, at which point Motörhead reverted to a three-piece with Campbell as its sole guitarist.
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Beginning with 1986’s Orgasmatron, Campbell appeared on 17 Motörhead albums over the course of his tenure and remained a core member until the band’s disbandment following Lemmy’s death in 2015.
In his later years, Campbell released the solo album Old Lions Still Roar and launched a project with his sons called Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons.
