Thrash Metal Guitarist’s Cause of Death: What We Know So Far

Phil “Wizzo” Campbell, who joined the thrash metal band Motorhead in 1984 has died, he family reports. He and frontman Lemmy played together for 31 years. Motorhead disbanded in 2015 after Lemmy died from cancer.

Campbell went on to form Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, which features his sons.

Louder than Life

“I came home one day and my wife said, Motorhead called — can you learn 18 songs by Friday? It was Tuesday. I managed about 10. At rehearsal, as soon as Lem fired up his bass it was the loudest thing I’d ever heard in my life,” he said in an interview with Noise11.

Campbell was known for his wild playing style and fit right in with the band after their first guitarist left. Lemmy picked him because he looked like he’d fit in if a bar fight broke out. Lemmy also brought Michael Burston on to join the band as an additional guitarist.

Legendary Chaos and a Riot

Motorhead is known for their volume fights with music venues, but one night it was the crowd that spiraled out of control. It was during the Orgasmastron tour in Louisiana, when members of the crowd were spitting on the band, although this was not uncommon at their concerts. This night, the fans took it too far and Motorhead ended their set early, outraging fans, which turned the venue into a chaotic riot when the crowd got very aggressive.

In a 2017 interview with Metal Hammer, Campbell told the story about loud music going rogue on stage.

“We were playing a gig in Europe, and Lemmy was playing so hard that during ‘Ace of Spades,’ his bass amp fell over from the vibrations. The amp started tipping backward and almost took out a whole stack of speakers. The crew was panicking, but Lemmy just gave them a wink and said, ‘Well, that’s rock 'n’ roll, innit?’

“We just kept playing like nothing happened.”

Rock n Roll Injuries

Campbell once broke an ankle on stage, he told Louder magazine, about his worst injury.

“I broke my ankle on stage, I’ve done too many things, everything’s gone down on stage basically. I’ve broke my ankle on stage a couple of times.”

On Playing With His Sons

“I don’t know of any other situations like that, so it’s really cool. Loads of people would love to be in my position, I guess. I’m proud of the guys all the time, everyday of my life, but when we’re rocking onstage it’s just like any other band until I turn around and realize, “Fuck, that’s my boy playing this.” It doesn’t get much better than that, really. I still give ’em hell, but I’m very blessed,” he said in an interview with Revolver.

He’s given up his hard partying ways and doesn’t drink anymore. Although he hangs out with his sons and they go out together, bowling, he says he needs to be “tucked in by midnight.”

Cause of Death

Campbell’s family did not disclose a cause of death, only to note had had recently had major surgery. Motorhead cancelled concerts in 2026 due to his health problems.