Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell dead at 64

Phil Campbell, the man who held down the guitar slot in Motörhead for 31 years, has died at age 64.

His passing follows a stint in intensive care after a major operation. The news was confirmed by his band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, who shared that he passed away peacefully on Friday (March 13).

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night," read the statement.

"Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as 'Bampi,'" the statement continued.

"He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever."

Campbell was the sonic backbone of Motörhead from 1984 until Lemmy’s death in 2015. After the band dissolved, he kept the volume up by forming the Bastard Sons with his boys - Todd, Dane, and Tyla. Health issues had recently forced the cancellation of the band’s Australian tour.

As the official Motörhead tribute put it: "Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motörhead in his veins. He always led with his gift of guitar, and carried a great sense of humour, but most of all, Phil led with his heart.

"You could not be around him without a chuckle or twenty, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy."

Tributes from other rock musicians have poured in for him, including Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler, saying "A truly nice man with a wicked sense of humour...RIP Phil, say hi to Lemmy."

Dee Snider echoed the sentiment, writing: "Midler will miss you, old friend. Glad we got to show our stuff together on “These Old Boots”. Say hi to Lemmy for me…."

Tony Iommi, Zakk Wylde, and Mikkey Dee were among other rock musicians who paid tribute to the guitarist.

Rest in Peace, Phil Campbell.