Following the tragic news of the passing of legendary guitarist Phil Campbell at the age of 64, tributes from across the rock and metal world have begun pouring in. Among those honoring Campbell is his longtime bandmate and friend Mikkey Dee, who shared an emotional statement remembering the guitarist he spent decades performing and recording with in MOTÖRHEAD.
Dee wrote on social media:: “We got the news this morning, and it’s so extremely sad, about the sudden passing of my brother and dear friend, Phil Campbell. He was the funniest guy I have ever known and the best rock guitar player I have ever played with. His vibe and feel for rock music were outstanding.
“We wrote 12 studio albums together, and he never stopped surprising me with his extreme talent. Most of all, I will miss hanging out with the nicest guy you could ever meet.
“My family and I send our thoughts to Phil’s family. I truly wish them all the best for the future, and I will be right here if they ever need anything. Sleep well, my friend and rock soldier. Say hi to Lemmy, Würzel, Filthy and Eddie. I am sure you’ll be a crazy gang hanging out together again!
“Love, Mikkey“
Campbell’s passing was first confirmed in a social media statement shared by his band PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS, where he performed alongside his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla.
The family wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation.”
They continued: “Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as ‘Bampi’. 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. We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Earlier this year, PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS canceled a series of shows in Australia and Europe scheduled between March and May after Campbell received medical advice preventing him from touring. At the time, no additional details were made public.
Campbell joined MOTÖRHEAD in 1984 and remained a key member until the band’s dissolution in 2015 following Lemmy Kilmister’s death. During his tenure, he became the band’s sole guitarist for its final two decades, contributing to classic albums including Orgasmatron, 1916, and Bastards.
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