| Phil Campbell | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Philip Anthony Campbell |
| Born | 7 May 1961 in Pontypridd, Wales |
| Genres | Heavy metal, speed metal |
| Occupations | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, backing vocals |
| Years active | February 1984 — present |
| Associated acts | Motörhead, Persian Risk, Rocktopus |
| Website | Official Motorhead Website |
| Notable instruments | |
| Gibson Les Paul LAG Phil Campbell Model Parker Nitefly |
|
Philip Anthony Campbell,[1] born on May 7, 1961 in Pontypridd, Wales,[2] has been the lead guitarist of the British heavy metal band Motörhead since 1984. He is also the former guitarist of Persian Risk.
Contents |
Early life and career
Campbell started playing guitar when he was 10 years old, inspired by guitarists such as: Jimi 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 called Contrast. Later he played with a pub-rock band called Roktopus (not Rocktopus) at gigs in and around South Wales. He bought his first Les Paul in 1978 at a New Year's Day guitar sale at a shop on Ealing Broadway, London; 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.
Joining 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 - Michael "Würzel" Burston and Philip Campbell. 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.
Equipment
Phil uses an LAG Explorer Signature model[3] guitar both live and in the studio, fitted with two Seymour Duncan humbuckers[4] and a single (volume) control. He also uses a Minarik Inferno Guitar on stage. He has also been known to play a Parker Nitefly, a Claymore custom, Kramer guitars, and recently used an ESP EC-1000 Deluxe during some concerts in 2008.
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 and Laboga Amps. Earlier in his career he occasionlly played Gallien-Kruger amplifiers.[5]
References
- ^ "Philip Anthony Campbell". AOL Music. http://music.aol.com/artist/philip-anthony-campbell/1187529. Retrieved 20 December 2008.
- ^ "Philip Anthony Campbell". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:f9ftxqthldae. Retrieved 20 December 2008.
- ^ "Phil Campbell - Motorhead (Legend!)". LAG Guitars. http://www.lagguitars.co.uk/endorsee.aspx?GUID=4c059a01-eacf-4aba-9388-fe5af558b0db. Retrieved 20 December 2008.
- ^ "Phil Campbell". Seymour Duncan. http://www.seymourduncan.com/artists/featured_artists/71. Retrieved 20 December 2008.
- ^ "Interview with Phil Campbell — Motorhead". motorhead.ru. http://www.motorhead.ru/int17wizzo.htm. Retrieved 20 December 2008.
External links
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