Campbell has undergone 2 months of chemotherapy to battle Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and he still has four months to go.
- Jun 11, 2013
AceShowbiz - Def Leppard's guitarist Vivian Campbell is battling cancer. In light of the band's forthcoming European and North American dates, the rocker felt it would be right to let the supporters know that he's currently in recovery from the illness.
"I feel fortunate that my cancer sent me an alarm call in the form of 'the cough that wouldn't quit'," he revealed. "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."
He was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and advised to undergo 6 months of chemotherapy. "I'm about 2 months in and feeling rather spiffy, all things considered," he opened up, jokingly adding, "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 concluded, "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."
