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Motörhead's Phil Campbell Passes Away, Aged 64

Mary Varvaris

Campbell died following “a complex, major operation.”

Phil Campbell
Phil Campbell(Source: Supplied)
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Pioneering metal guitarist Phil Campbell – best known for his work in Motörhead – has passed away at the age of 64.

People reports that Campbell died following “a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex, major operation,” per a statement from his family.

The musician’s death was confirmed over the weekend, with a statement from his family shared on the Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons Facebook page.

Alongside a photo of their father, Campbell’s sons Todd, Dane and Tyla wrote, “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.”

Concluding the post by asking for privacy and discussing their father’s legacy, the trio wrote, “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 issued a statement about their beloved fallen bandmate, describing him as an “enormous beam of light.” You can read the band’s tribute below.

Motörhead’s tribute to Phil Campbell:

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.

Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984 and performed with the band until its disbandment in 2015, following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister. He was the longest-serving member of the band, aside from Lemmy.

Following the disbandment of Motörhead, he went on to form Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons with Todd, Dane, and Tyla.

Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons were set to make their Australian debut back in September, but the shows were rescheduled after vocalist Joel Peters left the band. The group had postponed their tour dates until this month.

Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons started releasing music in 2016 with their self-titled EP. In 2018, their debut album, The Age Of Absurdity, dropped, and in 2023, their fourth and most recent album, Kings Of The Asylum, was released.