Legendary Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died aged 64

Phil Campbell, former guitarist with Motörhead and leader of his own band Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons with his sons Tyla, Todd and Dane, has died aged 64, following a major operation.

In a post on the Bastard Sons Facebook page, his family announced that Phil passed away last night.

"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," they wrote.

"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."

Phil was born in 1961 in Pontypridd, Wales. In 1979, he helped found the Welsh outfit Persian Risk, before joining Motörhead in 1984, auditioning at the same time as Michael "Würzel" Burston, with both getting the gig turning the band into a quartet.

His first recorded appearance with the 'Head was on 1986's Orgasmatron, and remained a member of the band until they ended following Lemmy's death in 2015. In 2016, he formed The Bastard Sons with his literal sons, releasing four albums, most recently 2023's Kings Of The Asylum. He also released an all-star solo album, Old Lions Still Roar, in 2019, featuring Judas Priest's Rob Halford, Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, Skindred's Benji Webbe and Orange Goblin's Ben Ward among others.

The Bastard Sons recently pulled out of their scheduled headlining appearance at Takedown Festival due to Phil's health.

Kerrang! send its deepest sympathies to Phil's family and friends.