Basses

“The best rock guitar player I have ever played with”: Rock world pays tribute to late Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell

March 16, 2026

The music world has paid tribute to longtime Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell, who passed away last week (13 March) at the age of 64.
Campbell’s death was announced via the social media accounts of his band Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, which shared a statement confirming his passing following a “complex major operation”.
“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 read.
“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.”

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Born in Pontypridd, Wales in 1961, Campbell first made a name for himself on the UK metal circuit before joining Motörhead in 1984. He arrived during a transitional period for the band but quickly became a defining presence, ultimately spending 31 years as Motörhead’s longest-serving guitarist.
Alongside Lemmy and drummer Mikkey Dee, Campbell helped guide Motörhead through a prolific run of albums from the mid-’80s onwards, including Orgasmatron, 1916, Sacrifice and Inferno. Across those three decades, he appeared on 16 studio albums and contributed to some of their most enduring tracks, including Deaf Forever and Born To Raise Hell.
Campbell remained with Motörhead until the band disbanded following Lemmy’s death in 2015. In the years that followed, he continued making music both as a solo artist – releasing Old Lions Still Roar in 2019 – and with Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, the band he fronted with his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla Campbell.
Tributes have poured in from across the metal and rock community following news of Campell’s passing, with many musicians remembering both his playing and his personality.
Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee took to social media to honour his longtime bandmate: “He was the funniest guy I have ever known and the best rock guitar player I have ever played with,” Dee writes. “His vibe and feel for rock music were outstanding. We wrote 12 studio albums together and he never stopped surprising me with his extreme talent. Most of all, I will miss hanging out with the nicest guy you could ever meet.”
“My family and I send our thoughts to Phil’s family. I truly wish them all the best for the future and I will be right here if they ever need anything. Sleep well, my friend and rock soldier. Say hi to Lemmy, Wurzel [Michael Burston], Filthy [Phil Taylor] and Eddie [Clarke]. I am sure you’ll be a crazy gang hanging out together again!”

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Elsewhere, Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler remembers Campbell as a “truly nice man with a wicked sense of humour.”
The bassist writes on X: “Sad to hear of the passing of Phil Campbell. We had some fun times when we toured together back in the day… Many a laugh was had on that tour, especially when he arrived at a gig in full make-up, skirt and blouse! RIP Phil, say hi to Lemmy [please don’t wear the skirt though]!”

Sad to hear of the passing of Phil Campbell. We had some fun times when we toured together back in the day. A truly nice man with a wicked sense of humour. Many a laugh was had on that tour, especially when he arrived at a gig in full make-up, skirt and blouse! RIP Phil, say hi… pic.twitter.com/YHjKtIzY02
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) March 14, 2026

Tony Iommi adds, “So sad to hear of the passing of Phil Campbell yesterday. Motörhead have done a lot of tours over the years with Sabbath. He was a really nice guy and we had some great times together. He will be sadly missed.”

So sad to hear of the passing of Phil Campbell yesterday. Motorhead have done a lot of tours over the years with Sabbath. He was a really nice guy and we had some great times together. He will be sadly missed. – Tony pic.twitter.com/OcVaGbya4B
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) March 15, 2026

Meanwhile, former Runaways singer Cherie Currie remembers Campbell as both an accomplished musician and a supportive friend.
“We lost another great one yesterday… My cherished friend Phil Campbell of Motorhead. He was legendary not only in music but in his love and support of friends and fans,” says Currie. “RIP my darling. I love you immensely and will miss you forever.”

We lost another great one yesterday.. My cherished friend Phil Campbell of Motorhead. He was legendary not only in music but in his love and support of friends and fans. RIP my darling. I love you immensely and will miss you forever. pic.twitter.com/dQ0F8Nyoyx
— Cherie Currie (@CherieCurrie3) March 14, 2026

Ex-Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider also pays tribute, writing, “My friend Phil Campbell is gone. Sending my thoughts and love to his family. He and I recently spoke about our health issues. Sadly, he succumbed to his. Midler will miss you, old friend. Glad we got to show our stuff together on These Old Boots. Say hi to Lemmy for me….”

My friend Phil Campbell is gone. Sending my thoughts and love to his family. He and I recently spoke about our health issues. Sadly, he succumbed to his. Midler will miss you, old friend. Glad we got to show our stuff together on “These Old Boots”. Say hi to Lemmy for me…. pic.twitter.com/nPW0EWuj6F
— Dee Snider (@deesnider) March 14, 2026