Former Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died. He was 64 years old.
The guitarist’s family confirmed via Instagram on Saturday that their patriarch passed away after undergoing difficult procedures and “a long and courageous battle in the intensive care unit.”
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell. He passed away peacefully last night after a long and brave battle in intensive care following a complex major surgery,” the statement said.
“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, affectionately known as ‘Bumpy,'” the message continued.
“He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.”
The family concluded by asking for their privacy to be respected at this sad time.
The reason for Campbell’s original surgery remains unknown at this time.
Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984 along with Michael “Wurzel” Burston and rose to fame as Motörhead’s main guitarist.
He remained with the band and became the mainstay as the sole guitarist when Burston left the group in 1995. He recorded 16 studio albums during his time with Motörhead.
The group was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, but disbanded in 2015 following the death of frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister.
In 2016, Campbell formed his own band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. They released their debut album Old Lions Still Roar in 2019.
The band was scheduled to tour Europe later this year, but the tour was canceled due to “Phil’s ongoing medical condition.”
The guitarist began his career in the 1970s as a member of the heavy metal band Persian Risk.
