Phil Campbell, the longtime guitarist best known for his work with English rock band Motörhead, has died at the age of 64, his band announced. The official Instagram account of Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons said he died “peacefully” Friday night after “a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation.”
Circumstances of his passing
The statement posted to the group’s official Instagram account said Campbell died “peacefully” following a prolonged period in intensive care after a significant operation. The post added that he “was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely.” It also noted that Campbell “leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren.”
Career and legacy
Campbell began his career in the 1970s with the heavy metal band Persian Risk and joined Motörhead in 1984 alongside Michael “Würzel” Burston. When Würzel left the group in 1995, Campbell remained as Motörhead’s sole guitarist until the band ended activities in 2015 following the death of frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister. During his tenure with Motörhead he recorded 16 studio albums.
After Motörhead, Campbell formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons in 2016. The group released their debut album, “Old Lions Still Roar,” in 2019. The band had been scheduled to tour Europe earlier this year but the dates were canceled “due to medical advice” from Campbell’s doctors.
Recognition
Motörhead was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Campbell’s career spanned decades and multiple projects, and he was widely recognized for his contributions to heavy metal and rock guitar.
Tributes and family
The Instagram message expressed the family’s loss and the band’s grief, emphasizing Campbell’s role as a husband, father and grandfather. No further details on memorial arrangements were provided in the band’s statement.
Image Referance: https://www.tmz.com/2026/03/14/phil-campbell-dead-motorhead/