History of Phil Campbell (musician) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 14, 2026

Philip Anthony "Phil" Campbell is a Welsh rock musician renowned for his long tenure as the lead guitarist in Motörhead from 1984 until the band's dissolution in 2015 following Lemmy Kilmister's death. Campbell joined Motörhead after the departure of Brian Robertson, becoming an integral part of the band's signature sound and contributing to numerous albums. Currently, he fronts his own band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, which notably includes his three sons, continuing to tour and perform rock music.

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Full Timeline

May 1961: Phil Campbell's Birth

In May 1961, Philip Anthony Campbell was born. He would later become the guitarist for Motörhead.

1978: First Les Paul Purchase

In 1978, Phil Campbell bought his first Les Paul guitar at a New Year's Day sale in London.

1979: Formation of Persian Risk

In 1979, Phil Campbell formed the heavy metal band Persian Risk.

1981: Release of "Calling For You"

In 1981, Persian Risk, featuring Phil Campbell, released their 7" single, "Calling For You".

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1983: Release of "Ridin' High"

In 1983, Persian Risk, featuring Phil Campbell, released their 7" single, "Ridin' High".

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February 1984: Motörhead Appearance on The Young Ones

On 14 February 1984, Motörhead, including new member Phil Campbell, appeared as the musical guest on "The Young Ones" episode "Bambi".

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February 1984: Auditioned for Motörhead

On 8 February 1984, Phil Campbell auditioned for Motörhead after Brian Robertson's departure. He and Michael "Würzel" Burston were both hired.

1984: Joined Motörhead

In 1984, Phil Campbell became the guitarist for Motörhead, a position he held until the band's disbandment.

December 2015: Lemmy's Death and Motörhead's Disbandment

In December 2015, specifically on the 28th, Lemmy, the founder of Motörhead, passed away. Consequently, on the 29th, Motörhead officially disbanded.

2015: Motörhead Disbanded

In 2015, Motörhead disbanded following the death of its founder and frontman, Lemmy.

February 2016: Solo Album Recording

In February 2016, Phil Campbell started recording his new solo album with Chris Fehn.

November 2016: Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons Release First EP

In November 2016, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released their self-titled EP.

August 2017: Recording of Debut Album Announced

In August 2017, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons announced that they would begin recording their debut album.

October 2017: Debut Album Title Announcement

On 26 October 2017, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons announced that their debut album would be titled "The Age of Absurdity".

January 2018: Release of "The Age of Absurdity"

On 26 January 2018, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released their debut album "The Age of Absurdity".

April 2018: Release of Hawkwind Cover

On 21 April 2018, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released a cover of Hawkwind's "Silver Machine" for Record Store Day.

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October 2019: Release of 'Old Lions Still Roar'

In October 2019, Phil Campbell released his first solo album, 'Old Lions Still Roar', featuring guest vocals from Alice Cooper, Rob Halford, Dee Snider, and Benji Webbe.

April 2020: Campbell Reflects on Lemmy's Final Days

In April 2020, Phil Campbell spoke about the difficulty of seeing Lemmy's health decline towards the end of his life and adjusting to the end of Motörhead.

2020: Release of "We're The Bastards"

In 2020, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released their second album, "We're The Bastards", featuring Neil Starr on vocals.

2021: Recording of Live Album

In 2021, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons recorded a live album in Sunderland featuring Joel Peters on vocals.

2021: Vocalist Change in Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons

In late 2021, Joel Peters replaced Neil Starr as the vocalist for Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons.

March 2023: Release of 'Live In The North'

In March 2023, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released the live album 'Live In The North' featuring Joel Peters on vocals, which was recorded in Sunderland in 2021.

September 2023: Release of 'Kings of the Asylum'

On September 1st, 2023, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released their fourth album 'Kings of the Asylum', supported by video releases for the tracks "Schizophrenia", "Hammer and Dance", and "Strike The Match".

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