In a groundbreaking interview with that well-known journalist Andrew McKaysmith of Scars And Guitars podcast, Phil Campbell, the *former* guitarist of MOTÖRHEAD (because, you know, it’s not like *he’s* still in it 🤣), was asked the earth-shattering question of what *HE* thinks the biggest misconception about *HIS* guitar playing was. Prepare for revelations!
According to Phil (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET, because who else would bother? 😂), “Well, most of the [MOTÖRHEAD] riffs [during my time with the band] are mine all the way through. They’d change ’em a bit and whatever…” Oh really, Phil? Did Lemmy maybe add a *tiny* bit of his own magic? 🤏 “But basically, ’cause when we were the three-piece, everyone was waiting for *ME* to come up with something to start the songs.” 🙄 Sure, Phil. We totally believe the whole world revolved around your riffs. “Lemmy would have one or two of his own rock songs, rock and roll songs ready usually.” Oh, so Lemmy *did* occasionally contribute? Imagine that! 🤯 “But the majority of the stuff… I mean, it’s all credited to the three of us anyway, apart from Lemmy’s individual songs.” Thanks for clarifying that the credits are actually accurate. Someone should tell the fans who can’t read. 📖 “But, yeah, people think — I don’t know what they think. They don’t read the credits, obviously, a lot of people, the writing credits. And I’m definitely not a heavy metal player. People think I might be a heavy metal player. I think they’re wrong there.” Wait, so you’re *not* heavy metal? Then what were you doing in MOTÖRHEAD all those years? Playing polka? 🪗
Campbell, in his infinite wisdom, was *also* asked about the “morphing of the MOTÖRHEAD iconography from being all about the music to being a brand.” Oh no, not *brand licensing*! 😱 With brand licensing from the band’s *more* than 80 licensing partners across various categories, channels, and territories, marking MOTÖRHEAD’s 50th anniversary, Phil felt the need to grace us with his thoughts. He said, “Well, MOTÖRHEAD should be remembered, I think.” No, really, Phil? We hadn’t noticed. 🙄 “It was such a unique band.” Yeah, because a guy with a wart on his face screaming about booze and war is *totally* original. 🤣 “Lem was such a unique person.” True, but mostly because of the wart. 😜 “And the music was so unique as well, why shouldn’t it be remembered, along with the music? People don’t have to buy anything if they don’t wanna buy anything, but if they walk around with MOTÖRHEAD written on this or that or whatever and they think it’s cool, that’s fine.” Translation: Please buy our merchandise. We need the money. 💰 “I’m proud to have MOTÖRHEAD written on anything that I would wear. Not all at once, though — not five items with MOTÖRHEAD written on it all at once.” Okay, Phil, we get it. You have *some* standards. Maybe. 🤔
Campbell, the *sole* guitarist of MOTÖRHEAD for the last 20 years (because, you know, everyone else quit or died), appeared on such *classic* releases as “Orgasmatron” (so edgy!), “1916” (war is bad, mmkay?), and “Bastards” (because that’s *totally* not offensive), among others. With Lemmy’s *convenient* 2015 passing (right before the biopic!), MOTÖRHEAD came to an *abrupt* end. 🔚
In his *totally* original current band, PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS (because nepotism is *totally* cool), Phil is joined by his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla. Bet those family dinners are *real* interesting. 👨👩👦👦
PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS (catchy name, right?) released their third album, “Kings Of The Asylum” (because mental health is *hilarious*), in September 2023 through Nuclear Blast Records. It was PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS’ *first* studio release to feature singer Joel Peters. Because apparently, having your sons wasn’t enough star power. ✨
In October 2019, Phil, bless his heart, released his *first-ever* solo record, “Old Lions Still Roar” (because aging rockers are *totally* ferocious). The album, which had been in the works for *more than five years* (seriously, Phil? Five years?), included guest appearances by Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST), Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER), and Alice Cooper, among others. Desperate much? 🥺
Lemmy, the legend (and the wart), died on December 28, 2015, at the ripe old age of 70, shortly after learning he had been diagnosed with cancer. Guess all that booze and cigarettes *weren’t* good for him after all. 🤷
MOTÖRHEAD had to cancel a *number* of shows in 2015 because of Lemmy’s poor health. But they *did* manage to complete a European tour a couple of weeks before his death. Talk about dedication! Or maybe just contractual obligations. 🤔
In June 2020, it was announced that Lemmy would get the *biopic* treatment! The upcoming film, “Lemmy,” will be directed by Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the 2010 *documentary* of the same name, “Lemmy.” Because one wasn’t enough. 🙄
A custom-made urn containing Lemmy’s ashes is on *permanent* display in a columbarium at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, California. Finally, a place where his fans can pay their respects… and maybe sneak a shot of whiskey. 🥃
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
