Longtime Motörhead Axeman Philip Campbell Dead At 64

PONTYPRIDD, Wales. (THECOUNT) — Philip Anthony Campbell, the longtime lead guitarist of English rock band Motörhead, has died, his family announced Saturday. He was 64 years old.

Campbell’s family announced his passing via the official social media accounts of his band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. The statement said he passed away peacefully Friday night following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation. His family described him as a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as “Bampi.”

Campbell resided in Pontypridd, Wales, with his wife, Gaynor, and their three sons, Todd, Dane, and Tyla. His family requested privacy during the difficult time, noting that his legacy, music, and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.

Campbell was born on May 7, 1961, in Pontypridd, Wales. He began playing guitar at age 10 and joined his first band, Contrast, at age 13. In 1979, he co-founded the New Wave of British Heavy Metal band Persian Risk, playing on two singles — 1981’s “Calling for You” and 1983’s “Ridin’ High.”

On February 8, 1984, following the departure of Brian Robertson, Motörhead held auditions for a new guitarist. Though frontman Lemmy Kilmister had initially planned on hiring only one guitarist, he hired both Michael “Würzel” Burston and Campbell upon hearing them play together.

Campbell’s tenure with Motörhead began with their seventh album, 1986’s “Orgasmatron,” the band’s first release to feature two guitarists. When Burston departed in 1995, Campbell became the band’s sole guitarist. He ultimately served as Motörhead’s longest-tenured guitarist, spending 31 years with the band until they disbanded following Lemmy’s death in December 2015. During his tenure, Campbell recorded 16 studio albums with Motörhead.

When Motörhead were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, Campbell was not among the members initially considered for induction. Only Lemmy, founding guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke, and drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor were nominated. The band has not been inducted.

Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons

Following Motörhead’s disbandment, Campbell formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons with his three sons. The band released four studio albums between 2018 and 2023 and performed as the opening act for bands including Guns N’ Roses, Hawkwind, and Saxon. In 2019, Campbell also released his first solo album, “Old Lions Still Roar,” featuring guest vocals from Alice Cooper, Rob Halford, and Dee Snider. The band’s most recent studio album, “Kings of the Asylum,” was released in September 2023.

In February 2026, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons cancelled a previously announced tour of Australia and Europe, citing medical advice Phil had just received. No further details regarding his condition were made public at that time.

About Pontypridd and Wales

Pontypridd is a market town in the Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough in South Wales, located approximately 12 miles northwest of Cardiff, the Welsh capital. The town sits at the confluence of the Taff and Rhondda rivers and is part of the South Wales Valleys region. Pontypridd is also the birthplace of singer Tom Jones. Motörhead was an English rock band formed in London in 1975 by bassist and vocalist Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister. Campbell was a central figure in the band for more than three decades.

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