Phil Campbell, Former Motörhead Guitarist, Dies at 64 After Lengthy ICU Battle
Phil Campbell, the renowned former guitarist of Motörhead, has died at the age of 64.
According to his family, Campbell passed away peacefully following a “long and courageous battle in intensive care” after undergoing a complex major procedure. The announcement was shared on Instagram on Saturday.
“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 family said in a statement.
Campbell (pictured above performing on stage with his guitar) passed away following a “complex major operation,” his family confirmed in a statement.
“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as ‘Bampi,’” the statement read.
“He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, his music, and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.”
The family asked for privacy during this difficult time.
At this point, the reason for Campbell’s original operation has not been disclosed.
Phil Campbell recorded 16 studio albums with Motörhead during his tenure with the band. He rose to fame as the group’s main guitarist after joining alongside Michael “Würzel” Burston in 1984.
Campbell became the band’s sole guitarist when Burston departed in 1995, remaining a key member throughout Motörhead’s career. The legendary rock group, which was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, officially disbanded in 2015 following the death of frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister.
Motörhead disbanded in 2015 following the death of frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister.
In 2016, Phil Campbell formed his own band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, releasing their debut album, Old Lions Still Roar, in 2019. The band had planned a European tour later this year, but it was canceled due to Campbell’s ongoing medical condition.
Campbell began his music career in the 1970s as a member of the heavy metal band Persian Risk, laying the foundation for his rise in the rock world.
