Phil Campbell (of Motörhead, among others) passed away on March 13, 2026

Quite surprisingly, the following message appeared on the Facebook page of the band Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons on March 14, 2026:

"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. 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."

Philip Anthony "Wizzö" Campbell was born on May 7, 1961, in Pontypridd, Wales. At the age of thirteen, he was already playing in a semi-professional Welsh band. In 1978, after buying a Gibson Les Paul, he formed Persian Risk and played on several singles.

However, he became truly famous as the guitarist for Motörhead, which he joined in 1983 and remained with until the band's breakup following Lemmy's death in 2015. He played on numerous studio albums and toured with them for many years.

Since 2016, he had been touring with his sons as Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, performing both original material and Motörhead covers, for example, on the 50th Anniversary Motörhead tour in 2025, which included a stop in Berlin.

Now his sons have announced his passing, reuniting him with Lemmy and other deceased members of Motörhead. Let's hope they're all rocking out together now—wherever they may be. In many fans' homes today, Motörhead records will be playing in remembrance.

R.I.P. Phil

Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons - Overkill (Motörhead Cover) - Live at Wacken Open Air 2022

Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons - Live at Wacken Open Air 2022

 

RIP Great guitar player I saw him in concert with Motöhead. Great concert, great band

 

RIP.

Great musician, great performer. I had the joy of seeing him live with Motörhead and my ears were ringing for a week afterwards with glee.

 

1987, 1988, ... those years !

Met them for the first time in Paris, September 1988. Small hotel, no show off, nothing. I confess I was f**** scared but everyone was absolutely nice and kind.
We talked about guitar with Würzel for at least an hour, then, together with Lemmy, we made a little tour in Pigalle. We simply took the Metro :

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I found those pics ( maybe by a photographer send there by a magazine ) :

17th September, 1988​

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At Lausanne Hotpoint Festival, August 31st 1988, TV footage :​

=> R.I.P. Phil Campbell

Motörhead - God Was Never on Your Side

Lemmy – lead vocals, bass
Phil Campbell – lead guitar
Mikkey Dee – drums
C.C. DeVille – guitar solo

Let the voice of reason chime
Let the pious vanish for all time
God's face is hidden, all unseen
You can't ask Him what it all means

He was never on your side
God was never on your side
Let right or wrong alone decide
God was never on your side​

 

Last edited: Mar 14, 2026 at 4:20 PM

Always loved the classic line-up of Motorhead, and stopped following their adventures after that period.

However, what a great life to have lived. RIP.