David Moya
Phil Campbell, original member of Motörhead since 1984 and hailing from Pontypridd, Wales, first picked up a guitar at ten. Remarkably, he met the legendary Lemmy Kilmister at twelve, later auditioning for Motörhead alongside Wurzel at the age of 23. Campbell remained with the band until Lemmy’s passing in 2015. This night was dedicated to honoring the 50th anniversary of Motörhead with a set full of their classic hits.
Notably, Campbell’s band is a family affair, featuring his sons Tyla (bass), Dane (drums), and Todd (guitar), alongside lead vocalist Joel Peters. The raw, powerful guitar tones resonate throughout Dolan’s Warehouse, where the energy is palpable. Phil and Todd skillfully trade leads, delivering face-melting solos that peak during well-loved riffs. Dane drives the rhythm with force, while Tyla and Joel do impressive justice to roles once filled by the irreplaceable Lemmy.
The venue buzzed with an older crowd, though a few younger fans sprinkled throughout added to the atmosphere.
The set kicked off with the thunderous “Iron Fist,” setting an energetic tone for the night. This was followed by “Damage Case” and “Going to Brazil,” with each track igniting cheers from the crowd.
The setlist was stellar, featuring iconic songs like “Orgasmatron,” “Rock Out,” “Ace of Spades,” “Metropolis” and a triumphant cover of Bowie’s “Heroes,” reflecting Lemmy’s status as a hero among many present. The show concluded with “Overkill,” a poignant choice, as it was the last song played live with Lemmy just days before his death.
Campbell and his band showcased an impressive selection from Motörhead’s expansive 40-year catalog. They managed to include representation from all 23 studio albums in a heartfelt two-hour performance. The crowd received the show exceptionally well, with no complaints in sight.
