Motörhead legend Phil Campbell seen smiling with pals in final snapshot just weeks before death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Legendary Mötorhead guitarist Phil Campbell was seen grinning from ear to ear alongside friends in a social media photo just weeks before his death.

The veteran rocker appeared relaxed and cheerful in the snapshot posted to Instagram on February 17. He was posing arm-in-arm with fellow musicians Chris Jericho, PJ Farley, and Grant Brooks.

A cheerful hangout before saying goodbye

Jericho, former WWE superstar and the frontman of Fozzy, posted the photo with a fond caption celebrating his longtime friend.

“Always a blast seeing our old mate,” Jericho wrote, calling Campbell the “king of the rock n roll ribbers” and noting that they had spent time together the previous evening in Cardiff, Wales.

Jericho recalled one especially bizarre memory Campbell shared from the road.

According to the singer, the guitarist told a “great story about riding a horse onstage” during a show by metal band Testament before “handing out 200” USA Today newspapers to the front row at a Heaven and Hall concert, “which the fans then held up and started reading” when the late Ronnie James Dio “walked onstage.”

Jericho called the moment “true rock hilarity indeed.”

The singer also reminded fans that Campbell had contributed musically to his band.

“Of course, Phil also played the solo for #ShesMyAddiction way back in 2012 and will always be a member of the @fozzyrock family!” Jericho noted.

Friends and fans react after heartbreaking news

After Campbell’s death was announced Saturday, Farley reshared the same photo and offered a brief tribute of his own.

The bassist said the group had seen Campbell “just about three weeks ago” and that the guitarist appeared to be doing well at the time.

“He always brought stories, jokes, his sons, and Grey Goose,” Farley wrote. “Truly a class act, and he will be missed. Condolences to his family 🙏🏻”

Fans were in disbelief as they filled the comments section with condolences.

“Oh damn. Just got on my phone for the day, and this is the first I’ve seen about it. Huge bummer. A big loss for music and humanity. Rest in Power, Phil,” one person wrote.

Another remarked, “So Sad. God bless Phil 🙏🏻🎸🖤,” while someone else wrote, “I knew it was an iconic pic when I saw it. Can’t even believe it💔”

“Devastating news," a comment read.

"A true legend that will never be forgotten," another added. 

Family confirms death at 64 after health battle

Campbell’s family confirmed the news of his passing on Saturday. He was 64.

“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,” a statement shared via Instagram read.

“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as ‘Bampi,’” it continued. “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.”

The statement concluded by asking that the family’s privacy be “respected during this incredibly difficult time.” 

Campbell became a defining figure in heavy metal after joining Motörhead in 1984 alongside guitarist Michael Würzel Burston. Over the years, he helped shape the band’s unique sound, recording 16 studio albums with the group.

In 2016, Campbell launched his own project, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, releasing albums including 'The Age of Absurdity,' 'We’re the Bastards' and 'Kings of the Asylum.'

Plans for European and Australian tour dates in 2026 were canceled earlier this year due to health concerns. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is likely to cause our fans, but Phil’s health will always be our number one priority," the band said at the time.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.