Heavy metal loses a guitar legend

The first time we met, Phil had just joined Motörhead. It was 1987, the tour for the album “Orgasmatron”, the first recorded by the lineup consisting of Lemmy Kilmister on bass, Philthy Animal Taylor on drums, and the two new guitarists Philip Campbell and Mick Wurzel Burston. Two guitarists, because Lemmy, needing to replace the previous axeman, Brian Robbo Robertson, a shooting star who lasted in Lemmy's grasp for the span of just one album (Another Perfect Day), could not decide who, between Phil and Wurzel, suited him best, transforming for a long period the Overkill Trio into a quartet, as the band’s leader recounts in the book “Motörhead in the studio” written with Jake Brown. Wurzel was so lively, a sprite capable of captivating the audience's attention, with wild eyes and an engaging smile. Phil always a step back, silent, sometimes thoughtful, at least on the surface. But it would be he (thanks to Wurzel's antics) who would ultimately win the heart of Lemmy and the audience, bringing the band back to its original bass-guitar-drums format.

Phil Campbell passed away yesterday at the age of 64. The announcement was made by the family, part of which, after the passing of Lemmy and the subsequent dissolution of Motörhead, played with him in the band that, coincidentally, was called Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons: «It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who peacefully passed away following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex surgical operation. Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, affectionately known as “Bampi”. He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. His legacy, his music, and the memories he created with so many people will live on forever».

We had met many other times. He had remained the true “guardian” of the Motörhead legacy, bringing the music of “his” band around the world with his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla.

We will always remember his devotion to Lemmy and the band, he “fished” from the anonymity of the Persian Risk. We will always remember his riffs, from “Orgasmatron” onwards, through “cult” albums like “Bastards”, “Sacrifice”, “Snake Bite Love”, and “We Are Motörhead”, up to the last “Bad Magic”. Now the stage of eternity is all his.