Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 25 minutes ago
NOTE: Since posting this interview, the tour has been rescheduled to March 2026 due to Joel Peters departure from the band.
PHIL CAMPBELL & THE BASTARD SONS March 2026 Australian Tour Dates
Friday 6th March BRISBANE, The Triffid
Saturday 7th March – SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Sunday 8th March – MELBOURNE, Max Watts
Tuesday 10th March – ADELAIDE, Lion Arts Factory
Wednesday 11th March – PERTH, The Rosemount
Tickets From: https://thephoenix.au/phil-campbell/
This audio interview by Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips with Phil Campbell, guitarist for Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons and former member of Motörhead, dives into his upcoming tour, where he’ll be celebrating 50 years of Motörhead through a special Best of Motörhead show in Australia.
Here’s a summary of key highlights:
1. Setlist and Performance: Campbell talks about mixing Motörhead classics with original Bastard Sons material, aiming to satisfy both longtime Motörhead fans and those familiar with his new band. He discusses adjusting the setlists nightly to keep things interesting.
2. New Album: The band is working on a new album, having recorded eight rough tracks. Though they haven’t hit studio quality yet, Campbell anticipates getting into a creative groove soon. The band works closely, with Campbell’s sons contributing heavily to the songwriting process.
3. Studio Vibes and Collaboration: Campbell shares how he prefers to keep the tape running for spontaneous solos, highlighting his relaxed studio environment where he feels comfortable and creative. His son Todd, who’s a producer, plays a key role in the recording process.
4. Motorhead Memories: He reflects on his time with Motörhead, including working with producer Cameron Webb and memories of being part of groundbreaking TV shows like The Young Ones. He also reminisces about Lemmy Kilmister’s eclectic music tastes, which ranged from rock and roll to pop harmonies.
5. Fame and Recognition: Campbell mentions that despite his fame, he still gets recognized in public on occasion. He shares the amusing fact that comedian Billy Connolly was a fan of Motörhead, though he’s unsure about other surprising fans.
6. Legacy of Lemmy: He speaks fondly of Lemmy, calling him a unique and honest figure in rock and roll, and acknowledges the lasting impact Lemmy's music and personality continue to have on fans and the music industry.
7. Guitar Playing and Gear: Despite his hearing loss, Campbell still enjoys playing guitar, noting that he often brings a limited number of guitars on tour due to airline baggage restrictions. His hearing loss also means he’s selective about what he can and cannot hear, adding a touch of humor to his experiences.
8. Bucket List and Personal Reflections: Campbell muses about trying acting one day and expresses pride in his long music career, including his Grammy win. He fondly remembers his early days of playing semi-professionally at age 13 and celebrates the longevity of his career.
NOTE: Since posting this interview, the tour has been rescheduled to March 2026 due to Joel Peters departure from the band.
PHIL CAMPBELL & THE BASTARD SONS March 2026 Australian Tour Dates
Friday 6th March BRISBANE, The Triffid
Saturday 7th March – SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Sunday 8th March – MELBOURNE, Max Watts
Tuesday 10th March – ADELAIDE, Lion Arts Factory
Wednesday 11th March – PERTH, The Rosemount
Tickets From: https://thephoenix.au/phil-campbell/
This audio interview by Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips with Phil Campbell, guitarist for Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons and former member of Motörhead, dives into his upcoming tour, where he’ll be celebrating 50 years of Motörhead through a special Best of Motörhead show in Australia.
Here’s a summary of key highlights:
1. Setlist and Performance: Campbell talks about mixing Motörhead classics with original Bastard Sons material, aiming to satisfy both longtime Motörhead fans and those familiar with his new band. He discusses adjusting the setlists nightly to keep things interesting.
2. New Album: The band is working on a new album, having recorded eight rough tracks. Though they haven’t hit studio quality yet, Campbell anticipates getting into a creative groove soon. The band works closely, with Campbell’s sons contributing heavily to the songwriting process.
3. Studio Vibes and Collaboration: Campbell shares how he prefers to keep the tape running for spontaneous solos, highlighting his relaxed studio environment where he feels comfortable and creative. His son Todd, who’s a producer, plays a key role in the recording process.
4. Motorhead Memories: He reflects on his time with Motörhead, including working with producer Cameron Webb and memories of being part of groundbreaking TV shows like The Young Ones. He also reminisces about Lemmy Kilmister’s eclectic music tastes, which ranged from rock and roll to pop harmonies.
5. Fame and Recognition: Campbell mentions that despite his fame, he still gets recognized in public on occasion. He shares the amusing fact that comedian Billy Connolly was a fan of Motörhead, though he’s unsure about other surprising fans.
6. Legacy of Lemmy: He speaks fondly of Lemmy, calling him a unique and honest figure in rock and roll, and acknowledges the lasting impact Lemmy's music and personality continue to have on fans and the music industry.
7. Guitar Playing and Gear: Despite his hearing loss, Campbell still enjoys playing guitar, noting that he often brings a limited number of guitars on tour due to airline baggage restrictions. His hearing loss also means he’s selective about what he can and cannot hear, adding a touch of humor to his experiences.
8. Bucket List and Personal Reflections: Campbell muses about trying acting one day and expresses pride in his long music career, including his Grammy win. He fondly remembers his early days of playing semi-professionally at age 13 and celebrates the longevity of his career.
