Phil Campbell (Motörhead)
Phil Campbell was the longtime guitarist of Motörhead, joining the band in 1984 and remaining until its end in 2015. He was widely respected for his powerful riffing, humour, and down‑to‑earth personality. Sadly, he passed away on 13 March 2026 at age 64 after a prolonged stay in intensive care following a complex major operation.
Who He Was
- Full name: Philip Anthony Campbell
- Born: 7 May 1961, Pontypridd, Wales
- Died: 13 March 2026 (aged 64)
- Known for:
- Lead guitarist of Motörhead (1984–2015)
- Member of Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons
- Earlier work with Persian Risk
His Legacy in Motörhead
- Joined after the departure of Brian Robertson and became a core part of the band’s classic sound.
- Played on 16 studio albums, starting with Orgasmatron (1986).
- Known for tracks like “Deaf Forever,” “Eat the Rich,” and “Born to Raise Hell.”
- Stayed with Motörhead until the band ended following Lemmy’s death in 2015.
After Motörhead
- Formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, featuring his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla.
- Released albums including The Age of Absurdity (2018) and Kings of the Asylum (2023).
- Released a solo album, Old Lions Still Roar (2019).
His Passing (2026)
Phil Campbell died peacefully after a “long and courageous battle in intensive care” following a major operation. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather (“Bampi”), deeply loved by all who knew him. Tributes from Motörhead called him an “enormous beam of light” and celebrated his humour, heart, and lifelong passion for music.
Phil Campbell on <<Wikipedia>>