One of the great protagonists of heavy metal's golden age leaves us at the age of 64.

Phil Campbell, the British guitarist and historical figure of Motörhead, has died at the age of 64. The artist passed away peacefully on Friday evening in Pontypridd, Wales, his hometown, after a long and brave battle in intensive care following a complex operation, as announced by his family and the band on social media.

Born on May 7, 1961, Campbell was one of the most representative guitarists of the international heavy metal scene. He joined Motörhead in 1984, chosen by frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister after a series of auditions, along with Michael “Würzel” Burston, and remained a constant presence in the lineup for over thirty years.

During his time with the band, he contributed to the creation of 16 studio albums and participated in numerous world tours. After Burston's departure in 1995, he became the band's sole guitarist, standing by Lemmy until the band's dissolution in 2015, which occurred shortly after the passing of the historic leader.

Before joining Motörhead, Campbell took his first steps in the British metal scene of the 1970s, founding Persian Risk in 1979. In 2020, Motörhead was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but was not included among the officially inducted artists.

After his experience with the legendary band, Campbell started the family project Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, with which he released the album “Old Lions Still Roar” in 2019 and went on several tours, often alongside his three sons.

The family remembers him as “a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud grandfather”, emphasizing that “he was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed”. He leaves behind his wife Julie, sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla Campbell, and grandchildren.