Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell died from multi-organ failure, inquest hears

Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell died from multi-organ failure after suffering complications following "necessary" surgeries, an inquest has heard.

The Welsh rock star, who was the band's guitarist from 1984 until it disbanded in 2015, died aged 64 on 13 March.

Campbell's death could not have been prevented, St Pancras Coroner's Court heard on Friday.

The guitarist from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, underwent two liver transplants and bowel surgery at the Royal Free Hospital in London earlier this year.

The inquest heard he had previously drunk alcohol to excess but had been sober for seven years by the time of his death.

Campbell had suffered from Hepatitis C, but the inquest heard this had been treated.

While the second of the two liver transplants was successful, Campbell suffered further complications.

He underwent bowel surgery and was moved to intensive care, where he deteriorated rapidly.

He died in hospital on 13 March, with coroner Dr Richard Brittain recording his cause of death as multi-organ failure.

Brittain said: "My view is that there is nothing here to suggest his death could have been prevented."

He said Campbell died from "recognised complications of necessary surgical procedures".

Campbell's family previously described him as a "devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as Bampi" who had faced a "long and courageous battle in intensive care following a complex major operation".

"He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely," they added.

Motörhead was founded in 1975 by the bass player and singer Lemmy, whose real name was Ian Kilmister.

The group helped pioneer heavy metal music in Britain with a string of top 10 albums including 1980 hit Ace Of Spades, 1981's No Sleep Til Hammersmith, and Iron Fist in 1982.

Campbell was the second longest serving Motörhead band member, after Lemmy, and went on to record music and tour with his sons, Todd, Dane and Tyla.