Phil Campbell’s sons have announced their decision to continue Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons following their father’s death earlier this year. They shared the news in a statement posted on Facebook.
The announcement addressed fans’ concerns about the band’s future. It revealed plans for memorial concerts dedicated to the late Motorhead guitarist.
“We originally had a number of live performances planned for 2026, and many of you have been wondering whether the band would continue without our dad,” Phil Campbell’s sons wrote in their announcement.
“While everything is still extremely raw for us right now, we’re pleased to confirm that we will be going ahead with two very special shows.”
The band confirmed specific dates and venues for their upcoming memorial performances.
“We’ll be headlining Chepstow Castle on August 22nd and Hella Rock Festival on September 5th,” they continued. “These shows will be dedicated as memorial concerts to celebrate the life of our dad, and it would mean a lot to us to see as many of you there as possible. We’ll also have more shows to announce very soon.”
The decision to continue comes as the metal community mourns the loss of one of its most enduring figures. His contributions to heavy music spanned more than three decades.
Louder Sound reported that Phil Campbell served as Motorhead’s guitarist for 31 years. This made him the longest-serving member after founder Lemmy. Campbell joined the legendary band in 1984. He remained with them until their end in 2015 following Lemmy’s death.
Blabbermouth noted that for the last 20 years of Motorhead’s existence, Campbell was the band’s sole guitarist. He appeared on classic albums that defined the heavy metal genre. His guitar work helped shape the band’s signature sound that influenced countless metal acts worldwide.
Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons was formed in 2016. The band featured Phil alongside his sons Tyla and Dane. The family band had been scheduled to headline various festivals before Phil’s passing, including the upcoming Hella Rock Festival where they will now perform as a memorial tribute.
The upcoming memorial concerts at Chepstow Castle and Hella Rock Festival represent not only a continuation of the Campbell musical legacy but also a celebration of Phil’s lasting impact on the metal community. Phil Campbell passed away in March 2026, leaving behind a legacy as a longtime guitarist for the legendary metal band Motorhead.
