Campbell was born in Pontypridd, and started playing guitar when he was 10 years old, inspired by guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Jan Akkerman, Michael Schenker and Todd Rundgren. At the age of 12, Campbell met Lemmy after a Hawkwind gig and asked him for an autograph. By the age of 13, Campbell was playing semi-professionally with a cabaret band called Contrast. He later played with a pub-rock band called Roktopus at gigs in and around South Wales. He bought his first Les Paul in 1978 at a New Year's Day guitar sale at a shop on Ealing Broadway, London. The guitar was later stolen. In 1979, Campbell formed the heavy metal band, Persian Risk, playing on their 7" singles, "Calling For You" and "Ridin' High". Compilation albums have been issued which feature some of his work with Persian Risk.
Motörhead
On 8 February 1984, following the departure of Brian Robertson, Motörhead held auditions for a new guitarist, narrowing the candidates down to two guitarists: Michael "Würzel" Burston and Philip Campbell. Though Lemmy had first planned on hiring only one guitarist, he hired both Würzel and Campbell upon hearing them play together. On 14 February 1984, Motörhead were the musical guest for The Young Ones episode "Bambi". One of the band's most popular compilations, No Remorse, followed shortly, it was released on 15 September. Campbell subsequently toured the world with the band and remained a constant member of Motörhead until they disbanded, despite a number of changes to their line up over the years. On 28 December 2015, band founder and sole constant member Lemmy died. The following day, drummer Mikkey Dee announced that Motörhead had disbanded, stating: "We will not be doing any more tours or anything. And there will not be any more records. But the fire survives, and Lemmy lives on in the hearts of everyone."
Debut solo album
In February 2016, Campbell entered the studio along with Slipknot percussionist Chris Fehn to record a new solo album. Phil's first solo album Old Lions Still Roar was released on 25 October 2019 and features guest vocals from Alice Cooper, Rob Halford, Dee Snider and Benji Webbe.
In November 2016, his new project Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released their first recording, a self-titled EP. The band has subsequently performed in supporting slots with Guns & Roses, Hawkwind, Saxon, and Airbourne. In August 2017, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons announced that they were to start recording their debut album. On 26 October 2017, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons announced the title of the debut album as The Age of Absurdity, which was released on 26 January 2018 on Nuclear Blast Records . The album was produced by Romesh Dodangoda. The band's line up for the album features Phil and his three sons, together with former Attack! Attack! vocalist from South Wales Neil Starr.
Phil Campbell – guitar
Todd Campbell – guitar/harmonica
Dane Campbell – drums
Tyla Campbell – bass
Neil Starr – vocals
Romesh Dodangoda – percussion and keyboards on 'Into the Dark'
Dave Brock – guitar and vocals on 'Silver Machine'
Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released a cover of Hawkwind's "Silver Machine" on 21 April 2018 for Record Store Day. The track was previously available as a bonus track on some CD versions of The Age of Absurdity.
Personal life
Campbell resides in Pontypridd, Wales with his wife Gaynor and their three children: Todd, Dane, and Tyla.
Equipment
Campbell uses an LAG Explorer Signature model guitar both live and in the studio, fitted with two Seymour Duncanhumbuckers and a single control. He also uses DBZ, Charvel, Caparison, a couple of Framus Custom Shop guitars on stage, with an occasional acoustic Dean. He has also been known to play ESP, PRS, Minarik Infernos and a Parker Nitefly guitars. He also uses guitars built by luthier TC Ellis. So far, Ellis has built him a Les Paul-styled, a Stratocaster-styled, and one modelled after Lemmy's custom-built Rickenbacker 4004. Like Lemmy, Phil uses Marshall Amplifiers and Cabinets when playing live, currently using Marshall JVM410H, JVM410H-JS, JCM 900 4100 and 1959RR heads. In the studio he has been known to use Line 6, ENGL, Bogner and :pl:Laboga|Laboga Amps. Earlier in his career he occasionally played Gallien-Krueger amplifiers. He mainly uses Dunlop pedals, strings and picks.
