Lemmy Kilmister, the iconic frontman of Motörhead, remains a towering figure in rock ‘n’ roll. Beyond the leather, the whiskey, and the unyielding spirit, there was a man deeply connected to his craft and his audience. His longtime bandmate, Phil Campbell, recently shed light on a less-explored side of the legendary musician.
In a candid conversation with Sky News, Campbell sketched a portrait of Lemmy as not just a rock star, but a genuine individual who cared deeply. “He was a true pioneer,” Campbell said, placing Lemmy alongside Little Richard as the foundational pillars of rock. The guitarist emphasized Lemmy’s unwavering independence, noting that he lived life on his own terms, a testament to his rebellious spirit.
Yet, amidst the bravado and the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, there was a softer side to Lemmy. According to Campbell, he had a profound appreciation for his fans and a deep-seated love for the music they created together.
Lemmy’s Unforgettable Dream
Campbell shed light on his late bandmate’s ultimate vision. “And when he formed Motörhead, he told me, he basically just wanted to form an unforgettable rock and roll band,” Campbell revealed. The iconic frontman’s ambition was undoubtedly realized, as Motörhead became synonymous with raw, unfiltered rock.
Beyond the simple hard-edged rock star persona, Lemmy was a complex individual, according to the guitarist. “He was intelligent, kind, had lots of empathy for people and all that, very humorous,” Campbell shared. The guitarist emphasized the rarity of such a character in today’s world and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to have known Lemmy.
Sadly, health issues forced Motörhead to cancel several shows in 2015. Despite the challenges, the band managed to complete their European tour a few weeks before Lemmy’s untimely passing.
A Glimpse Behind the Final Curtain
The steadfast Motörhead guitarist also opened up about the band’s awareness of Kilmister’s declining health. Questioned about the cancellation of shows leading up to Lemmy’s passing, Campbell acknowledged their knowledge of the situation.
“Yeah, we knew, but Lem wanted to just carry on then,” he confessed, playing up the late frontman’s indomitable spirit. Campbell shared a personal account of the band’s final tour. “I know the last tour in Germany, I think one or two shows were canceled ’cause I ended up in hospital,” he revealed.
Despite his own health challenges, Campbell’s dedication to the band led him to rejoin the tour for its completion. The final curtain fell on Motörhead in Berlin, a poignant ending to a legendary chapter in rock history.