Phil Campbell (musician)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Phil Campbell | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Philip Anthony Campbell |
| Born | 7 May 1961 in Pontypridd, Wales |
| Genre(s) | Heavy metal, speed metal |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Years active | 1984 — present |
| Associated acts | Motörhead Persian Risk Rocktopus |
| Website | http://www.imotorhead.com/ |
| Notable instrument(s) | |
| Gibson Les Paul LAG Arkane Mastershop Phil Campbell Model Parker Nitefly |
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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.
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[edit] Biography
Campbell started playing guitar when he was 10 years old, inspired by guitarists such as; Hendrix, Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, Led Zeppelin's 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.
[edit] Motörhead
In 1984, following the departure of Brian Robertson, Motörhead frontman, Lemmy, 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.
On February 14, 1984, Motörhead recorded the backing track for The Young Ones episode "Bambi". One of the band's most popular compilations, No Remorse, followed shortly, it was released on September 15. Campbell has since toured the world with the band and has remained a constant member of Motörhead, despite a number of changes to their line up over the years.
[edit] Equipment
Phil uses an LAG Signature model guitar both live and in the studio It has two humbuckers and a single (volume) control. He also uses a Minarik Inferno Guitar on stage. He has also been known to play a Parker Nitefly.
Like Lemmy, Phil uses Marshall Amplifiers and Cabinets when playing live. In the studio however he has been known to use Line 6 amps and effects.
[edit] Trivia
- Phil Campbell and Persian Risk supported Motörhead at some of their last dates with Brian Robertson.
- A 100 Welsh Heroes poll was carried out on-line in the winter of 2003-2004 as a response to the BBC's 100 Greatest Britons poll of 2002, Campbell placed 20th in the poll.
