Credit: Jonas Rogowski
Sat 14 March 2026 12:21, UK
Phil Campbell, the longtime guitarist for the metal band Motörhead, has passed away at the age of 64.
His passing was announced through a statement made by Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons, his musical project featuring his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla Campbell.
The statement began. “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.”
The statement also shared that Campbell was “a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather,” who was known affectionately as “Bampi.”
It continued, “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.” The family have requested privacy during the difficult time.
Last month, his new family band cancelled a tour of Australia due to “medical advice Phil has just received”. They added in a statement made at the time: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is likely to cause our fans, but Phil’s health will always be our number one priority.”
Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984 and remained in the group until the band split in 2015 following the passing of frontman Lemmy Kilmister; he made his full studio debut on Motörhead’s 1986 album, Orgasmatron.
Michael “Würzel” Burston also joined the band at the same time as Campbell; Würzel left in 1995, and the group continued with Campbell as the sole guitarist.
Campbell formed The Bastard Sons in 2016. At the time, he likened the project to Motörhead: “We’re a party band,” he told Louder Sound, “Same as Motörhead. We were a party band of sorts as well. People just used to come and get drunk and have a good time.
Campbell’s also released his first solo album, Old Lions Still Roar, on October 25th, 2019.
See the moving post that announced his tragic passing below.
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