Welsh rock legend from Pontypridd remembered as devoted family man and one of heavy metal’s defining guitarists
PHIL CAMPBELL, the legendary Welsh guitarist best known for his long career with heavy metal band Motörhead, has died peacefully aged 64.
Campbell, who was born in Pontypridd, joined Motörhead in 1984 and remained with the iconic band until it disbanded in 2015 following the death of its frontman, Lemmy Kilmister.
His family confirmed the news in a statement shared on social media, saying he passed away after a long and courageous battle in intensive care following a complex major operation.
They described him as a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud grandfather affectionately known as “Bampi”.
He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely, the statement said, adding that his legacy through music and the memories he created would live on.
Campbell was widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in heavy metal, helping shape Motörhead’s distinctive sound during one of the band’s most successful eras.
Motörhead paid tribute to their former guitarist in a message shared online, describing him as a “wonderful guitarist, writer, performer and musician who had Motörhead in his veins”.
The band said Campbell led with both his guitar and his sense of humour, adding that he brought joy to those around him.
“You could not be around him without a chuckle or 20,” the statement said.
“Phil loved life and lived it with great joy.”
Motörhead achieved worldwide fame with heavy metal classics including Ace of Spades, becoming one of the most influential bands in the genre.
After the band ended in 2015 following Lemmy’s death, Campbell continued performing with his own group, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, which included his three sons.
The band toured extensively and continued to attract strong audiences across the UK and Europe.
Campbell had recently returned to his hometown of Pontypridd for a sold-out performance at the Muni arts centre.
The venue said it was saddened to hear of his passing and described him as a huge influence on the music industry.
German metal singer Doro Pesch also paid tribute, saying she was “at a loss for words” and honoured to have called him a friend.
Campbell’s death marks the loss of one of Wales’s most celebrated rock musicians, whose career helped shape the sound of modern heavy metal.
