Phil Campbell dead at 64: Motörhead guitarist passes away after a ‘complex major operation’
Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has tragically passed away at the age of 64, his family announced on Saturday.
In an emotional statement, they paid tribute to the Welsh rocker, who died after ‘a long and courageous battle in intensive care following a complex and major surgery’.
Following Motörhead’s disbandment in 2015 following the death of legendary frontman Lemmy Kilmister, the singer and his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla formed their own band, Phil Campbell and the B*****d Sons.
The band released a statement on social media, along with a black-and-white photo of Phil with his beloved wife Gaynor.
It read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night after a long and courageous battle in intensive care following a complex and major surgery.’
‘Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father and a proud and loving grandfather, affectionately known as “Bampi”. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has tragically passed away at the age of 64, his family announced on Saturday (image 2019)
His sons made the comments on social media alongside a black-and-white photo of Phil with his beloved wife, Gaynor.
It read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night.’
‘His legacy, his music and the memories he created with so many people will live on forever. ‘We ask that our family’s privacy be respected at this incredibly difficult time.’
Devastated fans were quick to express their condolences, writing: ‘Esteemed. He was the first guitarist I ever saw live and is often the case’: ‘I’m so sorry to hear that. A total legend. Rest in strength Phil’: ‘Reunited with Lemmy. Thank you for Rock & Roll. RIP Phil’.
‘I’m really sorry to read this…Our condolences to you and your extended family guys. Rest well Phil’: ‘our loss, our lost children, what a truly beautiful soul and super talent.. rock forever my dear friend’: ‘The greatest Welsh guitarist ever.’
Born in Pontypridd in 1961, he played guitar from a young age and joined his first band at 13, before rising to fame with Mötörhead following the departure of Brian Robertson in 1984.
He released 16 albums with the band until Lemmy’s death in 2015, after which his sons released four albums under the name Phil Campbell and B*****d Sons.
In February, the band was forced to cancel their Australian tour due to Phil’s ill health and planned to reschedule shows for later this year.
They told fans: ‘We regret to announce that due to Phil’s new medical advice we have had to make the decision to cancel all Australian and EU shows from March until May.’
Motörhead pictured at the 2005 GRAMMY Awards (LR) Lemy, Mikkey Dee and Phil Campbell
Devastated fans were quick to express their condolences, writing: ‘Esteemed. He was the first guitarist I ever saw live, and that was most of the time.’
Before adding: ‘We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this will cause our fans, but Phil’s health will always be our number one priority.’
Motörhead have sold more than 41 million albums worldwide and were known for iconic records such as Ace of Spades and No Sleep ’til Hammersmith.
For about four months,” Phil told Classic Rock in 2023. [after Motörhead broke up] I didn’t know what to do. ‘I was so tired that I thought about retiring completely’
‘But my eldest son Todd had a thirtieth birthday party in Cardiff, there was a live band, we got up and did some covers and it felt so good to go on. Actually the party was two years before Lem passed away, but it was the beginning of B*****d Sons.’
In 2024, Lemmy’s ashes were displayed at Stringfellow’s nightclub as friends of the Motörhead star paid tribute.
The rocker, whose real name is Ian Kilmister, passed away in 2015 at the age of 70, and his body was sent to his friends and favorite places.
After Peter Stringfellow opened Covent Garden in 1980, Lemmy was known to frequent Stringfellows in Covent Garden. Lemmy chose the adult venue as the place to celebrate the band’s 35th anniversary in November 2010.
Guitarist Phil led the tribute in a toast to the artist, while his ashes were laid to rest permanently behind the bar.
Motörhead manager Todd Singerman said Stringfellows ‘always had a special place’ in Lemmy’s heart.
he said Sun: ‘He loved the relaxed atmosphere and he absolutely loved the view. ‘I know he’s relieved to be able to enjoy one of his favorite places.’
The urn is a miniature replica of the main urn at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood.
Speaking about Lemmy in the nightclub, Phil said: ‘He would have loved it. He’ll have a good vantage point, so it’s a great place to lay some of his ashes at Stringfellows in London, especially since he really enjoys going there when he has a night off.
‘Even in rehearsals he was there ordering taxis to Stringfellows while we were rehearsing, I heard him many times.
‘We are determined to honor the legacy and legacy of the band; (He was) a very respected, unique character.’
