Phil Campbell, the longtime guitarist for Motörhead, has died at the age of 64. Campbell died peacefully on Friday, March 13, following complications after a major operation and a lengthy stay in intensive care, according to his family.
Campbell’s family released a statement through his band, Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons: “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.”
Motörhead also confirmed Campbell’s passing in a statement, sharing the news with fans around the world: “We cannot believe we’re saying this…it is with profound sadness that we have to say Philip Anthony Campbell has passed. He was Motörhead’s guitarist for 31 years (the longest serving member aside from Lemmy) having joined in 1984.”
Motörhead’s tribute remembered him not only as a musician but as a beloved personality within the band: “After Lemmy’s passing, he was blessed to form Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons with his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla, which recorded and toured together for years. Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motörhead in his veins. 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.”
Campbell became a defining part of Motörhead’s sound after joining the group in 1984. Frontman Lemmy Kilmister initially struggled to choose between Campbell and Michael ‘Würzel’ Burston during auditions, ultimately bringing both guitarists into the lineup. When Burston left the band in 1995, Motörhead continued as a trio featuring Lemmy, Campbell, and drummer Mikkey Dee — a lineup that became one of the group’s most recognizable eras. Across more than three decades, Campbell performed on 16 studio albums and countless tours, contributing to records such as Orgasmatron, 1916, and Bastards. Motörhead itself was originally formed in 1975 by Lemmy alongside Larry Wallis and Lucas Fox, and later achieved worldwide recognition with songs like “Ace of Spades” and “Overkill.”
Following Lemmy’s death in 2015, Campbell remained active in music. He formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons with his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla. The group toured extensively and released several albums, including The Age of Absurdity (2018) and Kings of the Asylum (2023). In 2019, Campbell also released his solo album Old Lions Still Roar, which featured collaborations with artists including Alice Cooper, Rob Halford, and Dee Snider.
Drummer Mikkey Dee also shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering Campbell as both a close friend and a remarkable musician. “We got the news this morning, and it’s so extremely sad, about the sudden passing of my brother and dear friend, Phil Campbell,” he wrote, adding that Campbell was “the funniest guy I have ever known and the best rock guitar player I have ever played with.”
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