Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell dead at age 64

Phil Campbell, who played guitar for Motorhead for over 30 years, has died following "a complex major operation".

Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died at the age of 64.

The rocker's passing after "a complex major operation" was announced on Saturday (Mar 14) by the social media accounts of his band Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons – the group he fronted with his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla Campbell.

A statement read: "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.

"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."

Campbell was born in Pontypridd, Wales, in 1961 and started playing the guitar at the age of 10. He spent five years with the heavy metal band Persian Risk during the late 1970s before being recruited by Lemmy to join Motorhead in 1984 following the departure of guitarist Brian Robertson.