Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died aged 64 following what his family described as “a long and courageous battle in intensive care”.
The Wales-born musician’s family announced the news on social media on Saturday, saying he died peacefully on Friday night, UK time.
“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 reads.
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“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.”
Campbell’s band Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons had been scheduled to tour Australia earlier this month, but the shows were cancelled late last month due to his declining health.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is likely to cause our fans, but Phil’s health will always be our number one priority,” a statement released at the time read.
Motorhead paid tribute to Campbell in a post shared on Instagram, describing the guitarist as a “wonderful” guitarist and “an enormous beam of light”.
“Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer and musician who had Motorhead in his veins,” the band wrote.
“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.
“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.”
Drummer Mikkey Dee, who joined Motorhead in 1992 and remained with the band until singer Lemmy’s death, also paid tribute to his longtime bandmate.
“He was the funniest guy I have ever known and the best rock guitar player I have ever played with. 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,” Dee wrote.
“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, Würzel, Filthy and Eddie. I am sure you’ll be a crazy gang hanging out together again!”
Motorhead was founded in 1975 by the bass player and singer Lemmy, whose real name was Ian Kilmister.
The group helped pioneer heavy metal music in Britain with a string of top 10 albums including 1980 hit Ace Of Spades, 1981’s No Sleep Til Hammersmith and 1982’s Ironfist.
Campbell joined the band in 1984 before it disbanded in 2015 following Lemmy’s death.
He was the second-longest serving Motorhead member, after Lemmy, and went on to record music and tour with his sons, Todd, Dane and Tyla as the group Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons.
– With AAP
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