Phil Campbell, the legendary Welsh guitarist whose thunderous riffs helped anchor Motörhead for 31 years, has died at the age of 64, as reported earlier. Phil passed away peacefully at the age of 64 on Friday, March 13, 2026, following a courageous battle in intensive care.
The news was shared by his family via Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, the band he formed in 2016 alongside his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla.
Shortly after the news of Phil’s passing became public, longtime drummer of Motörhead, Mikkey Dee, issued the following statement on social media:
“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 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!”
The official social media accounts of Motörhead were later updated with the following message:
“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. 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.”
“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.”
“Much love and RIP Phil. The world has just lost an enormous beam of light, and we are devastated.”
His family wrote earlier today: “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.”
They continued: “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.”
Earlier this year, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons called off several tour dates across Australia and Europe that had been planned between March and May, after Phil Campbell was advised by doctors to step back. No additional details about the situation were revealed at the time.
Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984 and stayed with the group until it came to an end in 2015 following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister. During the band’s final two decades, Campbell served as its only guitarist, performing on classic releases such as Orgasmatron, 1916, and Bastards.
