Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has revealed that he is battling cancer.
“I feel fortunate that my cancer sent me an alarm call in the form of ‘the cough that wouldn’t quit’,” posted Campbell. “Otherwise, how would I have known? After several months of trying every inhaler known to man, my doctor finally had me X-rayed. A further 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 11th, 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…”
“My diagnosis was Hodgkin's Lymphoma and 6 months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment,” Campbell continued. “I’m about 2 months in and 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 with the band and I don’t want anyone to be so shocked by my new look that they ask for a refund. Simple economics, really,” he explained. “My family, friends and bandmates have all been extremely supportive through this and 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.”
Def Leppard are set to return to the road for summer dates starting June 22 at Hellfest in France.
In addition to his duties with Leppard, Campbell will debut the livem reunited Dio band as Last In Line, 30 years after the recording of the legendary Dio albums “Holy Diver,” “Last In Line” and “Sacred Heart”; the band is being joined by vocalist Andrew Freeman.
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