Legendary rock guitarist Phil Campbell, best known for his long tenure with Motörhead, has died at the age of 64, his family has announced.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Campbell was a member of the iconic heavy metal band from 1984 until its disbandment in 2015.
In a statement, his family said the musician died after a "long and courageous battle in intensive care following a complex major operation".
Motörhead Guitarist Phil Campbell Dies at 64
Campbell died "peacefully" on Friday night, leaving behind his wife, Gaynor, as well as three children and grandchildren.
Following Motörhead's disbandment in 2015 after the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister, Campbell launched a new project with his sons called Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons.
"Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as 'Bampi,'" the band posted on social media.
"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 released five albums and EPs with the band alongside his three sons. Their most recent releases, Live in the North and Kings of the Asylum, both arrived in 2023.
During his career with Motörhead, Campbell was credited on 16 albums, beginning with Orgasmatron in 1986 and ending with the band's final studio album, Bad Magic, released in 2015.
A Defining Force in Heavy Metal History
Campbell's music career began in the 1970s with the heavy metal band Persian Risk.
In February 1984, following the departure of guitarist Brian Robertson, Motörhead held auditions to fill the role.
Campbell and Michael "Wurzel" Burston emerged as the final two candidates for a single spot in the band.
However, frontman Lemmy ultimately hired both musicians after hearing them play together.
Following Lemmy's death in 2015, the band confirmed that Motörhead would not continue.
"We won't be doing any more tours or anything and there won't be any more records. But the brand survives and Lemmy lives on in the hearts of everyone."
Motörhead became one of the most influential bands in heavy metal, producing classics such as "Ace of Spades".
In 2019, Campbell released his first solo album, Old Lions Still Roar, which featured guest appearances from several rock icons, including Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Danko Jones and Whitfield Crane of Ugly Kid Joe.
