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Who Was the Last Guitarist for Motörhead?

Published in Motörhead Guitarists 2 mins read

The last guitarist for the legendary rock band Motörhead was Phil Campbell.

Motörhead, founded in 1975 by bassist and vocalist Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, went through several lineup changes over its extensive career. While "Fast" Eddie Clarke was a pivotal guitarist in the band's classic lineup, having joined soon after its inception and forming a vital part of the trio with Lemmy and drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor, he was not the last.

Phil Campbell's Tenure with Motörhead

Phil Campbell joined Motörhead in 1984, becoming a long-standing and integral member of the band. His tenure lasted for over three decades, making him the band's longest-serving guitarist. He remained with Motörhead until the band's dissolution following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister in December 2015.

Campbell's contributions shaped Motörhead's sound through many of their later albums and tours, solidifying their status as heavy metal icons. His distinct style helped maintain the band's raw, uncompromising edge.

Key Guitarists in Motörhead's History

Motörhead featured several notable guitarists throughout its history. Each contributed to the band's evolution and sound.

Guitarist Years Active (Guitar) Notable Contribution
Larry Wallis 1975-1976 Original guitarist, played on early demos.
"Fast" Eddie Clarke 1976-1982 Member of the classic, iconic trio (Lemmy, Clarke, Taylor). Played on seminal albums like Overkill, Bomber, and Ace of Spades.
Brian Robertson 1982-1983 Briefly replaced Eddie Clarke.
Phil Campbell 1984-2015 Longest-serving and final guitarist, contributing to the band's later success and stability.
Würzel (Michael Burston) 1984-1995 Shared guitar duties with Phil Campbell for a significant period.

Phil Campbell's presence ensured the band's continued output of hard-hitting rock and roll for over 30 years, making him the definitive final guitarist for Motörhead.