Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell died on March 13 at the age of 64.
Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell died from multi-organ failure after suffering complications from surgeries, an inquest has heard.
The rocker passed away in hospital on March 13 at the age of 64 after undergoing “a complex major operation”, and he was laid to rest in his native Wales on May 13 following his funeral service, attended by his wife Gaynor and their sons Todd, Dane and Tyla.
On Friday (02.10.26), St Pancras Coroner’s Court heard that Phil had suffered complications following multiple surgeries and that his death could not be prevented.
Earlier this year, he was admitted to London’s Royal Free Hospital to have two liver transplants, the second of which was successful but he suffered complications after the operation.
The Ace of Spades hitmaker then underwent bowel surgery at the Royal Free Hospital and was moved to intensive care, where his health deteriorated rapidly.
Phil’s cause of death was recorded as multi-organ failure by coroner Dr Richard Brittain, who said: “My view is that there is nothing here to suggest his death could have been prevented.”
He added that the Overkill performer died from “recognised complications of necessary surgical procedures”.
The inquest also heard that Phil, who had previously drunk excessive alcohol, had been sober for seven years by the time of his death, and that he had been treated for Hepatitis C
His death was announced in a statement from his band, Phil Campbell and the B****** Sons, the group he fronted with his three sons.
It 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.”
Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee took to social media to pay tribute to his longtime bandmate.
The 62-year-old musician wrote on Instagram: “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, Wurzel (Michael Burston), Filthy (Phil Taylor) and Eddie (Clarke). I am sure you’ll be a crazy gang hanging out together again!”
Phil 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 Kilmister to join Motorhead in 1984 following the departure of guitarist Brian Robertson.
The musician would remain a member of the band for 31 years until they disbanded following Lemmy’s death in 2015, recording 16 studio albums with the group and contributing riffs to tracks such as Deaf Forever and Born to Raise Hell.
After Motorhead disbanded, Phil released his first solo album, Old Lions Still Roar, in 2019 and released three records as frontman of the B****** Sons.
Inquest confirms Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell’s cause of death
