The rock and metal world is mourning the loss of Phil Campbell, the longtime guitarist of Motörhead, who has died at the age of 64.
Campbell’s family confirmed that he passed away peacefully on Friday, 13 March, following complications after a major operation.
“Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motörhead in his veins.”
In a statement shared by the band, Motörhead paid tribute to their longtime bandmate and friend.
“We cannot believe we’re saying this… it is with profound sadness that we have to say Philip Anthony Campbell has passed.”
The band noted that Campbell spent 31 years as Motörhead’s guitarist, making him the longest-serving member of the group aside from legendary frontman Lemmy Kilmister.
Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984, stepping in after the departure of guitarist Brian Robertson. While Lemmy initially planned to recruit just one replacement, auditions ultimately led to a twin-guitar lineup featuring Campbell alongside Michael “Würzel” Burston.
That configuration remained until Burston departed in 1995, after which Motörhead returned to their classic three-piece format – with Campbell firmly established as the band’s guitar powerhouse.
Across more than three decades with Motörhead, Campbell appeared on 17 studio albums, beginning with 1986’s Orgasmatron. His ferocious guitar work and unmistakable tone became a defining part of the band’s sound during one of the most prolific eras of their career.
He remained a core member until Motörhead officially disbanded following Lemmy’s death in 2015.
Reflecting on his legacy, the band praised both Campbell’s musicianship and his larger-than-life personality:
“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.”
They also remembered the joy he brought to those around him:
“You could not be around him without a chuckle or twenty, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy.”
Outside of Motörhead, Campbell continued making music in the years following the band’s end. He released the solo album Old Lions Still Roar in 2019 and formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, performing and recording alongside his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla.
Motörhead closed their statement by asking fans to keep Campbell’s family in their thoughts:
“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.”
For generations of fans, Campbell’s thunderous riffs and unmistakable stage presence helped carry Motörhead’s legacy across decades of rock and metal history.
RIP.
Further Reading
James Hetfield Did WHAT With Lemmy Kilmister’s Ashes?!
Good News, You Can Pick Up A Motörhead Frontman, Lemmy Kilmister-Scented Candle
Former Motörhead Guitarist ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke Dies, Aged 67
