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Phil Campbell, Longtime Motörhead Guitarist, Dies at 64

The family cites complications after a complex operation, requesting privacy.

Overview

  • He died peacefully Friday night after a long battle in intensive care, according to a statement posted on Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons’ social media.
  • No further medical details were shared beyond the description of a complex major operation and complications in intensive care.
  • Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984, became the band’s sole guitarist from 1995, and appeared on roughly 16 studio albums until the group ended in 2015.
  • Following Motörhead, he formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons with his three sons, releasing new music and touring in recent years.
  • Motörhead and fellow musicians, including drummer Mikkey Dee, paid tribute as fans noted the band’s early‑2026 tour cancellations that followed medical advice.