Sad news has come down via social media this morning (March 14), with Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons – featuring Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell – issuing the following statement 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. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.
We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Campbell auditioned for Motörhead on February 8, 1984, following the departure of guitarist Brian Robertson, narrowing the candidates down to two guitarists: Michael “Würzel” Burston and Campbell. Though frontman / founder Lemmy had first planned on hiring only one guitarist, he hired both Würzel and Campbell upon hearing them play together. campbell remained a member of Motörhead until Lemmy’s passing in December 2015, after which they disbanded.
Campbell’s first solo album Old Lions Still Roar was released on October 25, 2019. In November 2016, his new project Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons released their first recording, a self-titled EP. They would go on to release the albums The Age Of Absurdity (2018), We’re The Bastards (2020), Live In The North (2023) and Kings Of The Asylum (2023).
All of us at BraveWords send our heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family and friends.