Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died aged 64 following complex major surgery. His family announced the news on Saturday 14 March 2026 in a post on the Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons Facebook page.
According to his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla, Campbell died peacefully after a long and courageous battle in intensive care following a very serious and complicated operation.
In their message, his sons described him as a devoted husband, wonderful father and proud, loving grandfather. They said he was deeply loved by everyone who knew him and would be missed beyond words. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many people would live on, they added, asking for the family’s privacy to be respected at this difficult time.
Born in Wales, Phil Campbell became known as a lead guitarist with Motörhead. He joined the band in 1984 alongside Michael “Würzel” Burston and remained until it disbanded in 2015 following Lemmy Kilmister’s death. He spent 31 years in Motörhead, becoming one of its longest-serving members.
In a tribute, Motörhead’s official page described Campbell as a wonderful guitarist, songwriter and musician, saying the band ran through his veins. It also highlighted his humour, warmth and zest for life, concluding that the world had lost a tremendous source of light. After Motörhead disbanded, Campbell continued making music with his three sons as Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. According to the band’s official website, European performances had been scheduled for July.
