Motörhead has released an official statement following the death of longtime guitarist Phil Campbell, who passed away at the age of 64.
Campbell spent more than three decades with Motörhead, joining the legendary band in 1984 and remaining a cornerstone of its lineup until the group came to an end in 2015 after the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister. During his tenure, he performed on a number of the band’s most celebrated releases, including Orgasmatron, 1916, and Bastards, and served as Motörhead’s sole guitarist for the final 20 years of its existence.
In a heartfelt message shared through the band’s official channels, Motörhead paid tribute to Campbell’s life, personality, and immense musical contributions.
The band wrote: “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.”
News of Campbell’s passing was first confirmed by his family via the social media pages of Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons.
Their statement read: “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.”
Earlier this year, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons canceled a run of shows scheduled in Australia and Europe between March and May due to medical advice given to Campbell. No further details were shared at the time.
Campbell’s influence on heavy metal remains undeniable, with his decades of work alongside Lemmy helping define the unmistakable sound and legacy of Motörhead.
