A Legacy Continues
The sons of the late Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell have revealed that they intend to continue their family-centric band following the legendary musician’s passing this past March. In a move that honors both their father’s memory and the musical bond they shared, the group has confirmed that two upcoming festival appearances will now serve as official memorial concerts.
After the conclusion of Motorhead, Phil Campbell formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons in 2016, recruiting his sons Todd, Dane, and Tyla to complete the lineup. The band quickly established their own identity, releasing a self-titled EP in 2016 followed by their 2018 full-length debut, The Age of Absurdity. That same year, they further cemented their reputation with an official cover of Hawkwind’s “Silver Machine” for Record Store Day.
Phil Campbell passed away on March 13 at the age of 64, leaving behind a monumental legacy in the world of hard rock and metal.
Honoring the Life of a Rock Icon
In a heartfelt statement shared on their Facebook page, the Campbell siblings addressed the future of the band, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation while expressing their commitment to moving forward.
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. 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. We’ll be headlining Chepstow Castle on August 22nd and Hella Rock Festival on September 5th. 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 Hella Rock Festival, scheduled for September 5 at the HMV Empire in Coventry, England, has pivoted its focus to honor the late guitarist. Organizers noted that the band was already slated to headline, and they have since renamed the stage the “Phil Campbell Stage” to pay tribute to his contributions to music.
The festival plans to create an immersive experience for fans, including a display of Phil Campbell’s guitar rig, a showcase of tour backdrops from his storied career, and a memorial book for fans to share their personal messages and memories. Additionally, the event will feature Motorhead-themed refreshments and classic footage of the band playing on cinema screens during set changeovers.
A Celebration of Music and Legacy
The memorial performance at Chepstow Castle on August 22 is being billed as “Phil Campbell’s Bastard Sons + Friends,” featuring guest appearances from Chris Holmes (The Sound of W.A.S.P.), Tygers of Pan Tang, and King Kraken. This event, much like the Hella Rock Festival, aims to celebrate the life and influence of a man who helped define the sound of heavy metal.
As the band looks toward the future, they remain focused on honoring their father’s spirit through the music they created together. Fans are encouraged to visit the official Phil Campbell’s Bastard Sons website for further updates on upcoming performances and memorial tributes.
