Def Leppard and Last in Line guitarist Vivian Campbell is currently in recovery from his battle with cancer. Upon his return he has a jam packed schedule including touring this summer. Vivian says: “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 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 six months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment. I’m about two 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.”
Post touring with Def Leppard the band is scheduled to tour all around Europe at festivals this summer. The band starts their tour later this month and tour through July. In addition, August 2013 Vivian will debut the reunited original Dio band under the name of Last In Line.: 30 years after the recording of the legendary Dio albums “Holy Diver”, “Last In Line” and “Sacred Heart”, and without trying to replace the singular sound that was Ronnie James Dio’s voice. This will be quite a feat. The original band has started playing the songs they wrote and created together again. Most songs were written and never produced for fans to hear until now. Joined by unique voice of vocalist Andrew Freeman, Campbell, Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Claude Schnell these musicians have united under the name of their classic album, Last In Line, to perform and tour their original songs again.
