It was sadly reported on Saturday that longtime Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell passed away at just 64 years of age following complications from what his family said was a “complex major operation.”
His band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, announced his passing via social media: “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. Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as ‘Bampi’. He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely.”
Campbell was in Motörhead from 1984 until the band’s conclusion in 2015 following the death of founder and rock icon Lemmy Kilmister. He was the longest-serving member of the group and the musical mastermind behind many of the band’s songs during that period. Campbell’s longtime bandmate, drummer Mikkey Dee, shared a touching and heartbreaking tribute to his fallen brother.
“We got the news this morning, and it’s so extremely sad, about the sudden passing of my brother and dear friend, Phil Campbell,” Dee wrote. “He was the funniest guy I have ever known and the best rock guitar player I have ever played with. His vibe and feel for rock music were outstanding. We wrote 12 studio albums together, and he never stopped surprising me with his extreme talent. Most of all, I will miss hanging out with the nicest guy you could ever meet. My family and I send our thoughts to Phil’s family. I truly wish them all the best for the future, and I will be right here if they ever need anything.”
Dee concluded: “Sleep well, my friend and rock soldier. Say hi to Lemmy, Würzel, Filthy and Eddie. I am sure you’ll be a crazy gang hanging out together again! Love, Mikkey #philcampbell #rip”
The official Motorhead social media account also posted a tribute writing: “We cannot believe we’re saying this…it is with profound sadness that we have to say Philip Anthony Campbell has passed. He was Motörhead’s guitarist for 31 years (the longest serving member aside from Lemmy) having joined in 1984. After Lemmy’s passing, he was blessed to form Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons with his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla, which recorded and toured together for years.”
The statement continued: “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. You could not be around him without a chuckle or twenty, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy. There will be plenty of time for us to share stories -tales of Campbell glory- and some damn good jokes together; for now, 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.”
