The music world is in mourning following the death of Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell at the age of 64. The Welsh rock star passed away peacefully on Friday night after what his family described as a "long and courageous battle" in intensive care following a complex major operation.
Family Announces Passing with Heartfelt Statement
In a statement shared on Facebook on Saturday, Campbell's family announced: "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 family continued: "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."
The statement concluded with a request for privacy during this difficult time for the family.
Motörhead's Tribute to Their Guitarist
Motörhead paid tribute to Campbell in an emotional Instagram post, describing the "wonderful" guitarist as an "enormous beam of light" whose passing has left the band "devastated."
The band's statement read: "Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motorhead in his veins. He always led with his gift of guitar, and carried a great sense of humour, but most of all, Phil led with his heart. You could not be around him without a chuckle or 20, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy."
Campbell's Legacy with Motörhead
Phil Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984, becoming the second longest-serving member after founder Lemmy (Ian Kilmister). The band, founded in 1975, helped pioneer heavy metal music in Britain with a string of top 10 albums including the 1980 hit Ace Of Spades, 1981's No Sleep Til Hammersmith and 1982's Ironfist.
Campbell remained with the band until it disbanded in 2015 following Lemmy's death. After Motörhead's dissolution, Campbell continued his musical career by recording and touring with his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla as the group Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons.
The band's tribute concluded: "There will be plenty of time for us to share stories – tales of Campbell glory – and some good jokes together; for now, please send love and positive energy to Gaynor and the boys while affording them time, space, and privacy. Much love and RIP Phil. The world has just lost an enormous beam of light, and we are devastated."
