Portal:Motörhead/Selected biography/2

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Philip Anthony Campbell, born on May 7, 1961 in Pontypridd, Wales, is the lead guitarist of the British heavy metal band, Motörhead and former guitarist of Persian Risk.

Campbell started playing guitar when he was 10 years old, inspired by guitarists such as; Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Jimmy Page, Michael Schenker and Todd Rundgren, at the age of 12, Campbell got Lemmy's autograph after a Hawkwind gig. By the time he was 13, he was playing semi-professionally with a cabaret band at gigs around South Wales. He bought his first Les Paul in 1973; following the fate of many of his guitars, it was stolen.

In 1979 he formed the heavy metal band, Persian Risk, playing on their 7" singles, "Calling For You" (1981) and "Ridin' High" (1983). Compilation albums have been issued which feature some of his work with Persian Risk.

In 1984, following the departure of Brian Robertson, Motörhead frontman, Lemmy Kilminster, held auditions for a new guitarist, narrowing the candidates down to two guitarists - Phil Campbell and Michael "Würzel" Burston. Lemmy had first planned only to hire one guitarist, but upon hearing Würzel and Campbell play together, Lemmy hired them both. (read more...)