Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has tragically passed away aged 64 his family announced on Saturday.
In an emotional statement they paid tribute to the late Welsh rocker who died following a ‘long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation’.
Following the Motörhead’s disbandment in 2015 upon the death of legendary frontman Lemmy Kilmister, the singer and sons Todd, Dane and Tyla formed their own band Phil Campbell and the B*****d Sons.
The group took to social media with statement alongside a black and white snap of Phil with his beloved wife Gaynor.
It read: ‘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.
Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has tragically passed away aged 64 his family have announced on Saturday (pictured 2019)
His sons took to social with statement alongside a black and white snap of Phil with his beloved wife Gaynor
It read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night’
‘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’.
Devastated fans were quick to share their condolences, writing: ‘Gutted. He was the first guitarist I ever saw live, and the most times too’: ‘So sorry to hear about this. An absolute legend. Rest in power, Phil’: ‘Reunited with Lemmy. Thank you for the Rock & Roll. RIP Phil’.
‘Really sorry to read this…Condolences to you and your extended families lads. Rest well Phil’: ‘our loss is our loss boys truly what a beautiful soul and a super talent .. eternally rock my dear friend’: ‘The greatest Welsh guitarist ever.’
Born in Pontypridd in 1961 he played guitar from a young age and joined his first band at the age of 13, before eventually finding fame after Mötörhead in 1984 following the departure of Brian Robertson.
He went on 16 album with the band until Lemmy’s death in 2015 before releasing four records with his sons as Phil Campbell and the B*****d Sons.
In February the band were forced to cancel their Australia tour due to Phil’s health with plans to reschedule shows for later this years.
They told fans: ‘We regret to announce that due to medical advice Phil has just received, we have been forced to make the decision to cancel all Australian and EU shows from March to May’.
Motörhead pictured at 2005 GRAMMY Awards (L-R) Lemy, Mikkey Dee and Phil Campbell
Devastated fans were quick to share their condolences, writing: ‘Gutted. He was the first guitarist I ever saw live, and the most times too’
Before adding: ‘We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is likely to cause our fans, but Phil’s health will always be our number one priority’.
Motörhead sold over 41M albums worldwide and were known for iconic records like Ace of Spades and No Sleep ’til Hammersmith.
Phil told Classic Rock in 2023: For about four months [after Motörhead broke up] I didn’t know what to do. I was so exhausted I considered retiring completely,’
‘But my eldest boy, Todd, had a thirtieth birthday party in Cardiff, there was a live band we got up and jammed some covers, and it felt so good we carried on. In fact the party was two years before Lem passed away, but it was the start of the B*****d Sons.’
in 2024 Lemmy’s ashes went on display at Stringfellow’s nightclubas friends of the Motörhead star paid tribute.
The rocker, whose real real name was Ian Kilmister, died in 2015 aged 70 with his remains sent to his friends and also to some of his favourite locations.
Lemmy was known to frequent Stringfellows in Covent Garden after Peter Stringfellow opened it in 1980. He chose the adult venue as the place where the band had their 35th anniversary in November 2010.
His ashes were permanently laid to rest behind the bar, with guitarist Phil leading the tributes as he raised a toast to the artist.
Motörhead manager Todd Singerman said Stringfellows ‘always had a special place’ in Lemmy’s heart.
He told The Sun: ‘He loved the relaxed environment — and he certainly loved the view. I know he’s relieved he can get back to enjoying one of his favourite places.’
The urn is a miniature replica of the main one at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood.
Speaking about Lemmy at the nightclub, Phil said: ‘He’d love it. He’s going to have a good view, so it’s a great place to put some of his ashes to rest in London in Stringfellows, especially because he really enjoyed going there when he had a night off.
‘Even when we were practising, in rehearsals, he’d be there ordering cabs to Stringfellows, I heard him many times.
‘We’re committed to honouring the legacy and the band’s legacy – (he was) such a revered, unique character.’
