“His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever,” the late rocker's sons said
Credit: Jo Hale/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died at the age of 64
- The rocker died “following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex, major operation,” his family, which includes sons Todd, Dane and Tyla Campbell, confirmed in a social media statement
- Phil joined Motörhead in 1984 and played with the band until it disbanded in 2015, following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister
Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died. He was 64.
The news was announced on Saturday, March 14, through a post shared on the Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons Facebook page.
“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 musician's sons, Todd, Dane and Tyla Campbell, wrote, sharing a black and white photo of Phil.
“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as ‘Bampi,’ ” they continued. “He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely.”
Credit: Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons/Facebook
Phil's sons added, "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," Todd, Dane and Tyla concluded their tribute.
Phil, born in Wales, rose to fame as the main guitarist in Motörhead.
He joined the rock band in 1984 alongside fellow guitarist Michael “Würzel” Burston. He played with the band until it disbanded in 2015, following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister.
Credit: Fin Costello/Redferns
Phil spent a total of 31 years creating music with Motörhead, making him one of the longest-serving members of the band, aside from Kilmister.
“Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motörhead in his veins,” Motörhead said in a tribute shared on Facebook.
“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 music group continued.
“You could not be around him without a chuckle or twenty, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy,” Motörhead added, then concluding its post: "Much love and RIP Phil. The world has just lost an enormous beam of light, and we are devastated.”
After the group disbanded, Phil continued to make music, but with his three sons instead.
The quartet recorded music and toured together over the past few years. They planned to continue touring throughout Europe in July, according to their official website.
Credit: Jesse Knish/WireImage
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Several fans paid tribute to the star in the comments section of Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons’ Facebook post.
One, who recalled Phil's kindness, wrote of the late rocker, “He handed me a set list and a guitar pick after a Motörhead show, one of the many times I bumped into him… a real gent.. play it loud!”
Credit: Didier Messens/Redferns
Another said, “I used to go to Motorhead every year and I'll never forget that one time Phil saw me taking a picture from the balcony so he stayed in place on stage long enough for me to get the shot. LEGEND!”
“Had the absolute pleasure of working with you guys a couple of times at The Dome and Boston Music Room,” one more fan wrote. “Phil was an absolute gentleman every time. I was bringing the rider and he was making sure that I had provided something] for everyone in the [bands’] dietary needs but was never rude or demanding. Rest In Power.”
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