Heavy metal legend dies after ‘major operation’

EntertainmentMusic
14 Mar 2026 • 10:49 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Guitarist Phil Campbell has died peacefully at the age of 64, his family has announced.
  • Campbell, from Pontypridd in Wales, was the guitarist for the heavy metal band Motörhead from 1984 until their disbandment 30 years later.
  • His family said in a statement on Facebook that he passed away after a "long and courageous battle in intensive care following a complex major operation".
  • They described him as a devoted husband, wonderful father, and proud grandfather, who was affectionately known as 'Bampi'.
  • Motörhead, known for anthems such as "Ace of Spades", disbanded after the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister in 2015.