Phil Campbell, former Motörhead guitarist, has died. He was 64 years old.
The guitarist’s family confirmed the patriarch died following a “long and courageous battle in intensive care” after he underwent a difficult procedure, via Instagram on Saturday.
“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 statement said.
“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as ‘Bampi,’” the message continued.
“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.”
The family closed by asking that their privacy be respected during this sad time.
The reason for Campbell’s original operation remains unclear at this time.
Campbell rose to fame as the main guitarist in Motörhead, which he joined alongside Michael “Würzel” Burston in 1984.
He remained in the band, becoming a mainstay as its sole guitarist when Burston left the group in 1995. He recorded 16 studio albums with Motörhead during its run.
The group, which was nominated to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, later disbanded in 2015 following the death of its frontman, Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister.
In 2016, Campbell created his band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. They released their debut album, “Old Lions Still Roar,” in 2019.
The band was scheduled to go on tour in Europe later this year, but the tour was canceled due to “Phil’s ongoing medical condition.”
The guitarist got his start in the 1970s as a member of the heavy metal band Persian Risk.
