Vivian Campbell Fighting Cancer

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has revealed he’s fighting cancer – but says he’s feeling “rather spiffy.”

He’s two months into a six-month term of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of the disease which has a high clean-up rate.

And he says he wants fans to know in advance of Def Lep’s upcoming tour dates so that they’re ready for his lack of hair.

Campbell reports: “I feel fortunate that my cancer sent me an alarm call in the form of ‘the cough that wouldn’t quit’. Otherwise, how would I have known?

“After several months of trying every inhaler known to man, my doctor finally had me X-rayed. A CAT scan revealed that enlarged lymph nodes were doing wrestling manoeuvres on my windpipe – hence the cough.

“What was causing the enlarged lymph nodes, however, was yet to be determined, so I underwent a surgical biopsy on March 11, the first day of Leppard rehearsals for our Viva Las Vegas shows. Obviously, I didn’t make it to rehearsal that day, but it’s okay; I know the songs by now!”

After Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was diagnosed, Campbell was lined up for half a year’s worth of chemo, which began in April. He says: “I’m feeling rather spiffy, all things considered. Hodgkin’s has an over 80% cure rate – so by my reckoning, if you’re going to have a cancer, Hodgie’s is the one to have!

“The reason I’m sharing this with you is because, despite cancer and chemo, me and my new aerodynamic hairstyle (read: no hair) are going on tour this summer. I don’t want anyone to be so shocked by my new look that they ask for a refund. Simple economics, really.”

Campbell reports his bandmates, along with friends and family, have offered their full support as he continues his health fight. He adds: “I look forward to a summer full of shows with both Def Leppard in June/July, and the debut of Last In Line this August.”

Guy is very positive, as I guess you'd have to be. Hope he sees this through.

That sucks. Glad to hear he's in good spirits.

On a negative note...that Last In Line thing is bullshit. He spent most of his career dissing his time in DIO only to "pay tribute" to him after he is dead. F*ck him.

SpectreFate wrote:

On a negative note...that Last In Line thing is bullshit. He spent most of his career dissing his time in DIO only to "pay tribute" to him after he is dead. F*ck him.

I was almost going to delete that last part in my original post, as I didn't want this turning into a big "Campbell vs. Dio" debate. But thanks for pointing it out anyway, wanker.

There are very few people in the world I'd wish cancer on. Alright, there are probably more than a few people I'd wish cancer on, but Viv isn't one of them. He'd be way, way further down on the list.

He may honestly have realized he was in the wrong about his time in Dio before. It can happen to anybody, noone is exempt from being humbled.

Orion Crystal Ice wrote:

He may honestly have realized he was in the wrong about his time in Dio before. It can happen to anybody, noone is exempt from being humbled.

Yup. Life isn't always filled with the right decisions and way too many regrets.

I am sorry he has cancer, I don't wish him any harm from that, but on a business level the Last In Line thing seems like a good way to get a few bucks on a dead guy's name that you shit on when he was alive. Humbled or not, it's mighty convenient. It's like Axl Rose doing a Slash tribute if he died.

Wonder how Wendy feels about that...

SpectreFate wrote:

I am sorry he has cancer, I don't wish him any harm from that, but on a business level the Last In Line thing seems like a good way to get a few bucks on a dead guy's name that you shit on when he was alive. Humbled or not, it's mighty convenient. It's like Axl Rose doing a Slash tribute if he died.

We'll just chalk it up to Ronnie using his magic powers from beyond the grave as a bit of karmic payback and leave it at that.

I wish Spec would speak his mind.

CANCER SUCKS!

I don't know about the feud with Dio, I paid no attention whatsoever to anything that he did after Dio.

That said, cancer is horrible, hope he has a speedy and complete recovery.

MetalGuy71 wrote:

SpectreFate wrote:

I am sorry he has cancer, I don't wish him any harm from that, but on a business level the Last In Line thing seems like a good way to get a few bucks on a dead guy's name that you shit on when he was alive. Humbled or not, it's mighty convenient. It's like Axl Rose doing a Slash tribute if he died.

We'll just chalk it up to Ronnie using his magic powers from beyond the grave as a bit of karmic payback and leave it at that.

that's not terribly nice and really insensitive to his family.

candlemass wrote:

Wonder how Wendy feels about that...

Does it matter? I thought it was pretty well-known that she had left Ronnie years before his death and had moved on with another guy. She kept the last name for business purposes.

SpectreFate wrote:

On a negative note...that Last In Line thing is bullshit. He spent most of his career dissing his time in DIO only to "pay tribute" to him after he is dead. F*ck him.

I've never heard him say he is doing this to pay tribute to him.

Perhaps he meant he was paying tribute to DIO (the band and music, of which he and Vinnie were significant contributors) and not necessarily the man.

Dio was wrong to pay him peanuts. They lost someone who actually had some style on guitar.

I hope he makes a complete recovery.

One of my favorite guitarists. I hope he truly beats this.

Viv's new look...

I certainly don't wish bad things on anyone no matter how big a DOUCHEBAG they are.But,I understand Specs point of view fully. That being said,I always liked Vivian as a guitarist.

Why the Forest Gump hair? He should've just shaved his head.

Troublezone wrote:

Why the Forest Gump hair? He should've just shaved his head.

That's probably his hair growing back....it was most likely all gone at one point.

Temple of Blood wrote:

candlemass wrote:

Wonder how Wendy feels about that...

Does it matter?  I thought it was pretty well-known that she had left Ronnie years before his death and had moved on with another guy.  She kept the last name for business purposes.

Had no idea...

I hope he recovers completely, sending prayers.

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell's cancer has returned – but he insists he's not concerned at the development.

He got the all-clear in November after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at the beginning of last year.

Now he's undergoing more treatment ahead of his band's US tour with Kiss, and it means he's missed songwriting sessions with the band.

Campbell tells Gater 98.7: "I'm doing good. It seems to be kind of coming back. But I'm not concerned about it – I mean, it's just a process.

"It always was a little touch-and-go. I need to get a handle on it so I'm free and clear to tour this summer. All good."