The beautiful tribute to Welsh rock legend Phil Campbell

David Owens

Welsh rock legend Phil Campbell was laid to rest with the perfect tribute for one of rock music’s greatest guitarists.

A floral version of one of the Motorhead star’s favourite guitars was the centrepiece of the tributes at his funeral.

The image was posted on the Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons Facebook page

The post read: Yesterday we laid our beloved Dad to rest. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone that was with us to celebrate his brilliant life. We will never tire of hearing stories about him and how he touched so many people. We will love him forever and share his legacy for many years to come.
Gaynor, Todd, Dane and Tyla ❤️

The rocker died “peacefully” aged 64 following a “long and courageous battle” in intensive care in March following a complex major operation, a family statement said.

The statement, which was shared on Facebook 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.

“We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”

Motorhead was founded in 1975 by the bass player and singer Lemmy, whose real name was Ian Kilmister.

The group helped pioneer heavy metal music in Britain with a string of top 10 albums including 1980 hit, Ace Of Spades, 1981’s No Sleep Til Hammersmith and 1982’s Ironfist.

Campbell joined the band in 1984 before it disbanded in 2015 following Lemmy’s death.

He was the second longest serving Motorhead band member, after Lemmy, and went on to record music and tour with his sons, Todd, Dane and Tyla as the group Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons.

The group recently put out a statement saying it was their intention to carry on with the group to pay tribute to their father.

Heart and humour

Motorhead paid tribute to Campbell in a post shared on Instagram, describing the “wonderful” guitarist as an “enormous beam of light”.

The statement said: “Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motorhead in his veins.

“He always led with his gift of guitar, and carried a great sense of humour, but most of all, Phil led with his heart. You could not be around him without a chuckle or 20, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy.

“There will be plenty of time for us to share stories – tales of Campbell glory – and some good jokes together; for now, please send love and positive energy to Gaynor and the boys while affording them time, space, and privacy.

“Much love and RIP Phil. The world has just lost an enormous beam of light, and we are devastated.”