Motörhead lead guitarist Phil Campbell has died. He was 64.
In a statement on Instagram, his family says he “passed away peacefully following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation”.
They describe him as “a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather”.
“He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely,” his family added.
“His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.”
Phil Campbell joined the British rock band Motörhead in 1984.
The band has paid tribute to him on Instagram, saying he 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.”
The statement went on to say: “You could not be around him without a chuckle or twenty, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy.”
Motörhead formed in 1975 and enjoyed a career spanning more than 40 years.
It is known for many heavy metal anthems including Ace of Spades, released in 1980.
But the group disbanded following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister in 2015.
Phil Campbell went on to tour with his own band, featuring his three sons.