Tributes have been paid to the late Motorhead guitarist, Phil Campbell, who has died aged 64.
The news was confirmed by Motorhead and Campbell's other band, Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons over the weekend, where they revealed that he passed on Friday night last after being in intensive care following a "complex major operation".
Having initially formed the heavy metal band, Persian Risk in the late 1970s, Campbell was later recruited by Motorhead lead singer, Lemmy Kilmister in 1984 following the departure of their previous guitarist, Brian Roberston.
The first Motorhead track to feature Campbell was 'Orgasmatron' was released in 1986. Overall, Campbell lend his guitar riffs to 16 studio albums with Motorhead.
Phil Campbell stayed with the band until they disbanded in 2015 following Lemmy's death.
He then formed Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons in 2019, where they released three albums. The band were also forced to cancel their tour earlier this year due to medical advice.
Paying tribute on social media, Motorhead hailed Phil Campbell as “a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motörhead in his veins”, adding: “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 twenty, 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 damn 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".
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Campbell's former Motorhead bandmate, Mikkey Dee, shared this message on social media.
“We got the news this morning, and it’s so extremely sad, about the sudden passing of my brother and dear friend, Phil Campbell,” Dee wrote. “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".
“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!”.
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The Bastard Sons also paid tribute to Campbell.
“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", they wrote.
