Phil Campbell’s Last Note: A Tribute

A message from the band PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS announced that Phil Campbell, who was 64 years old, passed away on March 14 after a long fight with health problems following a major operation. He died peacefully in his sleep. He was loved as a husband, father and grandfather, often called “Bampi” by close friends. Everyone who knew him felt his warmth and strength. His family asked for privacy while they grieve and hope his music will keep living on. Mikkey Dee, Phil’s long‑time bandmate, said he was very sad to hear the news. He remembered Phil as a funny person and one of the best guitar players he had ever worked with. Together they created twelve studio albums and Phil kept surprising Dee with new ideas. Mikkey promised support for Phil’s family. The official MOTÖRHEAD page added that Phil had played with the group for 31 years, starting in 1984. After the death of Lemmy, he started a new band with his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla. The page described him as humorous, passionate about music, and someone who made people laugh onstage. It asked everyone to send love while respecting the family’s privacy.

In February, Phil’s group had to cancel scheduled shows in Australia and Europe because of medical advice he received. No further details were shared at that time. Phil was the only guitarist in MOTÖRHEAD for the last twenty years before the band ended following Lemmy’s death. He performed on classic albums such as Orgasmatron, 1916 and Bastards, leaving a lasting mark on heavy metal. He began playing guitar at age ten, joined a cabaret group called CONTRAST at thirteen, then moved to ROCKTOPUS. In 1979 he formed the band PERSIAN RISK. At twelve, he got Lemmy’s autograph during a HAWKWIND show and later auditioned for MOTÖRHEAD when their guitarist left in 1983. He stayed with the group along with Würzel. In 2019 he released his first solo album, Old Lions Still Roar, which featured guest singers from well‑known bands. His latest work came in 2023 with the Bastard Sons’ album Kings Of The Asylum.

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