Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell dies age 64

Phil Campbell, longtime Motörhead guitarist, has died aged 64.

The news of Campbell's passing was broken by a tribute posted to Facebook by Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons.

"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," the tribute read.

"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."

Motörhead shared a subsequent statement on Campbell's death.

"Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motörhead in his veins," the statement read.

"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."

 

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Born Philip Anthony Campbell in Pontypridd, Wales, the guitarist joined Motörhead in 1984 after finishing up a run with the metal band Persian Risk.

He was Motörhead's second-longest running member after lead singer Lemmy (real name Ian Kilmister), who passed away in 2015.

Campbell lent his guitar skills to 16 Motörhead albums and performed live with the band for 31 years.

After the dissolution of Motörhead, Campbell created Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons with his sons Dane, Todd, and Tyla. The band released three albums: The Age of Absurdity, We're the Bastards, and Kings of the Asylum.