Guitarist Vivian Campbell Diagnosed With Cancer
Def Leppard axeman Vivian Campbell has officially revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer.
The original Dio guitarist posted an announcement saying that the surgical biopsy we underwent in March confirmed that he has Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, Campbell is determined not to let the cancer and chemotherapy get in the way of his career, as he will still embark on a summer tour with the band.
“I feel fortunate that my cancer sent me an alarm call in the form of ‘the cough that wouldn’t quit,'” the guitarist said in a Facebook announcement. “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 maneuvers 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…”
Campbell then revealed his illness, saying, “My diagnosis was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and 6 months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment. 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.
“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,” the guitarist concluded.
Apart from Def Leppard and Dio, Campbell was also a member of Whitesnake, Sweet Savage and several other bands. The summer Def Leppard tour will kick off on June 21 at the Hellfest in France and will keep the five-piece busy until mid-July.