Phil Campbell, the guitarist for the rock band Motörhead, died on Friday following a battle in intensive care after a major operation. He was 64.
His death was confirmed in a statement posted to the Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons Instagram account.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night,” read the statement.
“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as ‘Bampi,’” the statement continued. “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.”
Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons were scheduled to tour Australia earlier this month; however, the shows were called off late last month due to Campbell’s health.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is likely to cause our fans, but Phil’s health will always be our number one priority,” a statement released at the time read.
The Australian tour was originally scheduled for September 2025, but, following the departure of vocalist Joel Peters, it was pushed back to March 2026.
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Campbell was the guitarist for Motörhead for 31 years. He first joined the band in 1984 and stayed until its disbandment after vocalist and bassist Lemmy died in 2015.
After the end of Motörhead, the musician released his only solo album, “Old Lions Still Roar,” in 2019, and founded the band Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons with his three sons, Todd, Dane and Tyla Campbell. The band released its first album, “The Age of Absurdity,” in 2018, and most recently released “Kings of the Asylum” in 2023.
“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,” wrote a statement posted to the Motörhead Instagram account.
The post added, “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.”
From Variety US