Phil Campbell, the longtime guitarist for Motörhead and leader of Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, has died at 64. His family announced that he passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle in intensive care following a major operation. Campbell, affectionately known as “Bampi,” was remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose warmth matched his formidable musicianship. Born in Wales, he first made his mark with Persian Risk in the late 1970s before joining Motörhead in 1984, where his powerful riffs helped define the band’s sound for over three decades.
During his 31-year tenure with Motörhead, Campbell played on 16 studio albums, contributing to classics such as Orgasmatron and songs like “Deaf Forever” and “Born to Raise Hell.” After Lemmy Kilmister’s death and Motörhead’s disbandment in 2015, Campbell continued to make music with his solo album Old Lions Still Roar and through his band the Bastard Sons. Fellow Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee paid tribute, calling him “the funniest guy I have ever known and the best rock guitar player I have ever played with.” Campbell’s passing marks the end of an era for heavy metal, but his legacy will endure through his music and the countless fans he inspired around the world.
