Phil Campbell, guitarist of UK heavy metal band Motörhead dies at age 64

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Campbell performing in 2011
Image: John Gullo.

On March 14, it was announced that Phil Campbell, known as the guitarist of English heavy metal music act Motörhead died “peacefully” in the intensive care unit following an unspecified “complex” surgical procedure. His death was confirmed by the social media accounts of Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, a band he formed with his sons following Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister‘s death in 2015.^[1]

He was the longest-tenured guitarist in the band’s history, and recorded 16 albums with them. He started playing guitar at age 10 and joined Motörhead in 1984.^[2] He recorded 16 albums with the band^[3] and continued to participate in Motörhead-related events following its disbandment.^[4]

Motörhead’s sound is considered to be a precursor to the thrash metal subgenre of heavy metal, and was extremely influential on early bands in the style such as Metallica.^[5] Campbell’s heavy metal guitar playing style was “firmly rooted in blues rock,” according to Guitar World. He once self-described his playing style to Total Guitar: “I’ve never thought of myself as a technical player – I’ve probably got the slowest right hand in the business. My comfort zone is big volume and lots of blues.”^[6]

Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler paid tribute to Campell on social media, where he wrote: “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 to Lemmy [please don’t wear the skirt though]!” Other bands and musicians who publicly gave condolences included Saxon, Doro and former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider.^[7]