Phil Campbell: Celebrating 50 Years of Motörhead with the Best of Motörhead Show
By Greg Phillips
Phil Campbell, legendary guitarist and former member of Motörhead, is heading to Australia this September with his band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. The tour is a special one, as it celebrates 50 years of Motörhead, with a high-octane Best of Motörhead show featuring some of the most beloved tracks from the band’s iconic catalog. But it’s not all nostalgia; Campbell is also bringing his own original material into the mix, ensuring the set list is a balance of Motörhead classics and new Bastard Sons material.
In this candid audio interview with Australian Musician, Campbell shared insights into what fans can expect from the tour, his musical evolution, and his memories of life with Motörhead.
Mixing It Up: The Best of Motörhead Show
Campbell admits that crafting the perfect setlist for such a momentous tour hasn’t been without its challenges. While he’s certain that Motörhead’s timeless hits will feature prominently, he’s also keen to give fans a taste of his new music. “We’ll be playing some of our own songs as well, mixing it all up,” he says. “We always include some Motörhead tracks because, well, people expect it, but we’ll definitely keep things fresh with Bastard Sons material.”
Campbell also lets slip that while the setlist for the tour is still being fine-tuned, he’s confident that fans will leave happy. “We’re hoping everyone will go away satisfied from the shows, and that’s the most important thing.”
A New Album on the Horizon
When asked about new music, Campbell reveals that he and his band are well underway with their next album. “We’ve recorded about eight songs, just so we don’t forget them,” Campbell laughs. “They’re not quite up to studio standard, but it’s a start. We’ve been playing live so much that it’ll be great to get back into the studio and create something fresh.”
The album is still in its early stages, but Campbell is already looking forward to diving deeper into the process. “It’s a different vibe from playing live, but we’ve done so many shows these last couple of years that I’m itching to get back in the studio. There’s plenty of time for creativity.”
Family and Music: The Bastard Sons
One of the most exciting aspects of Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons is the family connection. Campbell’s sons are not only in the band—they play a major role in the creative process. “Todd, my eldest son, writes most of the material,” Campbell says. “He’ll come in with a riff, and we’ll work on it together. Sometimes I’ll have an idea for a song, and we’ll flesh it out as a band. It’s a real collaborative effort.”
Campbell credits Todd’s production skills for giving the band a home studio to record in, making the creative process even more comfortable and intimate. “Todd’s an amazing producer,” he says. “It’s great having him around. He makes it easy to create, and there’s no pressure.”
Motorhead Memories: Lemmy and Beyond
Of course, no interview with Campbell would be complete without a few fond reflections on his time with Motörhead. He shares stories of the late Lemmy Kilmister’s unique personality, his love for all things rock and roll, and his surprising passion for pop music. “Lemmy loved The Eagles, and we’d try to sing their harmonies on the bus,” Campbell chuckles. “We also spent hours trying to match the Bee Gees’ harmonies, but that was tricky.”
He adds that Lemmy’s love for music was always at the forefront, whether it was his admiration for Little Richard or his willingness to meet and connect with fans. “He was honest, and he stuck to his guns. There’ll never be another Lemmy,” Campbell reflects.
The Road to Recognition
Despite spending decades on stage, Campbell admits that he’s still occasionally surprised by the recognition he gets. “It’s not like I’m being mobbed everywhere I go,” he laughs. “But every now and then someone will stop me in the supermarket, and it’s nice to hear that they’re a fan.”
He recalls a particularly memorable moment when comedian Billy Connolly revealed that Motörhead was his favorite band. “I was pretty stoked to hear that,” he says. “I mean, Billy Connolly is a legend.”
Grit and Glamour: The Early Days
Reflecting on his time in Motörhead, Campbell recalls some of the more difficult conditions they had to perform under early on. “We played in some crazy situations. There was one time when our monitors caught fire during a show. I thought I was done for!” he says. “But we got through it, like we always did. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was all part of the journey.”
Even with the challenges, Campbell looks back on his career with pride. “I’m lucky to have done what I’ve done,” he says. “The longevity of it all is something I’m really proud of. To still be here after 51 years in the business is incredible.”
Still Pushing Forward
As for future ambitions, Campbell isn’t slowing down. He’s open to new projects, including acting, something he’s always wanted to try. “Maybe one day I’ll give it a go, just for fun,” he muses. “But for now, I’m focusing on the band, and the upcoming album, and just enjoying the ride.”
When asked about his proudest career achievement, Campbell points to the Grammy he won, admitting, “I never expected to win a Grammy, but it was a huge honour. And it sits proudly on my mantle.”
Phil Campbell’s journey is far from over, and as he continues to rock out with the Bastard Sons, he remains a vital force in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. For Aussie fans, the upcoming Best of Motörhead show is sure to be a celebration of not only Motörhead’s legacy but of Campbell’s ongoing commitment to the music that shaped him.
PHIL CAMPBELL & THE BASTARD SONS September 2025 Tour Dates
Tuesday 16th September PERTH, The Rosemount
Wednesday 17th September ADELAIDE, Lion Arts Factory
Friday 19th September BRISBANE, Eatons Hill
Saturday 20th September SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Sunday 21st September MELBOURNE, Northcote Theatre
Tickets from: https://thephoenix.au/phil-campbell/
