Phil Campbell, the Welsh guitarist who spent more than three decades as the driving force behind Motörhead’s legendary sound, died Friday at the age of 64 following complications from surgery, his family announced 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,” his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla wrote in a statement posted to the Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons Facebook page.
The family described Mr. Campbell as “a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather,” known affectionately to his grandchildren as “Bampi.” They asked that their privacy be respected in the wake of his passing, adding, “His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.”
Born in Wales, Mr. Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984 alongside fellow guitarist Michael “Würzel” Burston, stepping into the lineup after Brian Robertson’s departure. He would go on to serve as the band’s primary guitarist for 31 years — making him one of its longest-tenured members outside of frontman Lemmy Kilmister. He remained with the band until it disbanded in 2015 following Kilmister’s death from cancer at age 70.
Mr. Campbell cited Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix as key influences on his guitar playing, having first picked up the instrument around age 12. In 2005, the band took home the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
Motörhead paid tribute to Mr. Campbell in a statement posted to social media. “Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motörhead in his veins,” the band wrote. “He always led with his gift of guitar, and carried a great sense of humour, but most of all, Phil led with his heart.” The band called his death a devastating loss, saying the world had lost “an enormous beam of light.”
Former Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee also mourned his bandmate, calling Mr. Campbell the best rock guitarist he had ever played with. “We wrote 12 studio albums together, and he never stopped surprising me with his extreme talent,” Mr. Dee wrote on social media.
After Motörhead disbanded, Mr. Campbell continued making music alongside his three sons. The group, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, recorded and toured together in recent years and had European tour dates planned for July.
Mr. Campbell is survived by his wife, Gaynor, and his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla.
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