The hard rock and metal world is grieving the passing of Phil Campbell, the longtime guitarist for Motörhead, who died on March 13, 2026, at the age of 64. Reports indicate he passed away after spending time in intensive care due to complications following a serious surgery. A key member of the band for more than three decades, Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984 and stayed with the group until it came to an end in 2015. Throughout that time he stood alongside frontman Lemmy Kilmister, helping drive the band’s powerful sound on countless albums and stages around the world. His guitar style—both fierce and memorable—became an essential part of Motörhead’s character and helped cement the band’s lasting impact on heavy metal and hard rock.
