R.I.P. Phil Campbell: Legendary Motörhead Guitarist Dies at 64

The metal world mourns the loss of Phil Campbell, the celebrated guitarist of the iconic British band Motörhead. After a 30+ year tenure, Campbell passed away peacefully on March 14, following complications from a major operation. He was 64.

According to a statement released by his band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Campbell was a devoted family man, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. His music and the memories he created will resonate forever.

Born in Wales in 1961, Campbell's musical journey began at age ten, inspired by guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix, Todd Rundgren, and Jimmy Page. A pivotal moment occurred when he met Lemmy Kilmister of Hawkwind at Cardiff Capitol Theatre.

“Lem was the only band member that came out, and he signed my program with his old style autograph, going all the way down the page on his picture,” Campbell told Revolver in 2018. “If somebody said to me that day that I’d be in a big band with this guy and win Grammys and go around the world, I’d have thought they were crazy. But it just proves that anything can happen.”

After playing in various bands, including Persian Risk, Campbell auditioned for Motörhead in 1984. Kilmister ultimately hired both Campbell and Michael “Würzel” Burston, solidifying a powerful lineup.

For three decades, Campbell's guitar work defined Motörhead, appearing on 16 albums, including Orgasmatron (1986), March or Die (1992), Motörizer (2008), and Aftershock (2013). The band dissolved after Kilmister's death in 2015.
Phil Campbell

Motörhead's social media paid tribute, stating Campbell had “Motörhead in his veins,” adding, "You could not be around him without a chuckle or twenty, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy.”

Campbell's solo album, Old Lions Still Roar (2019), featured collaborations with Alice Cooper, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Dee Snider, and Benji Webbe. In 2016, he formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons with his children. Their most recent album, Kings of the Asylum, was released in 2023. A planned summer tour was unfortunately canceled due to his declining health.

Tributes have poured in from across the rock community:

So sorry to hear of the passing of Phil Campbell. He was always a great guy to hang out with and of course, an amazing guitar player. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Rest In Peace, Phil. pic.twitter.com/0v7ivj9J1d — Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) May 17, 2012

A post shared by Official Motörhead (@officialmotorhead)

Mikkey Dee called him "the funniest guy I have ever known and the best rock guitar player I have ever played with...Most of all, I will miss hanging out with the nicest guy you could ever meet.”

R.I.P. Phil Campbell: Legendary Motörhead Guitarist Dies at 64

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