Def Leppard just started their summer tour and guitarist Vivian Campbell is happy to be onstage, but as soon as their live shows end, the reality of Campbell’s current health concerns will once again hit home. The guitarist revealed to the Herald Extra that following the tour, he’s hoping to receive a stem cell transplant.
The guitarist was previously treated for cancer and was thought to be in remission, but he reveals that remission talk was premature. Campbell explained, “It came right back. I don’t know if the cancer came back or it never totally went away, you know, but the initial scan I did last fall after doing my chemo, the scan came back clean. But there was something about it, the oncologist was unclear about and didn’t feel good about, so I was referred to another specialist.”
Campbell, who also played in the band Dio, says he learned that there was some growth coming back and that a surgical biopsy revealed that the cancer had come back. The guitarist reveals that he’s been doing some “high-tech chemo” and reveals that he’s about halfway through his treatment. “It’s really kind of easy going,” says Campbell. It’s the first new drug that’s been discovered for Hodgkin’s since 1977 and they made this discovery in 2011 … so I’m part of this research clinical trial that’s going on.” The guitarist adds that the treatment has not affected his hair, skin or nails, which he’s thankful for.
The guitarist concludes, “Assuming that it all works and I actually get to a perceived remission stage by August, then as soon as the tour is over in early September, I’m going to get a stem-cell transplant, which I can’t say I’m looking forward to, but I’ve been told if I don’t do that, the cancer’s going to keep coming back every couple of years. And every time it’s a little bit more resistant. It is what it is. It could be worse — but at least I have health insurance.”
As for touring while undergoing treatment, Campbell says it’s very therapeutic for him. He adds, “There’s nothing worse than sitting around the house concentrating on the negative. I’ve always enjoyed my work and I’ve always felt very fortunate to be able to do what I love. I am well up for the summer tour indeed.”
additional source: loudwire.com
16 Responses
Stay positive Viv…..
More Winery Dog Lemmy info than Kiss blowing the roof off SLC and massive ticket sales…gotta love it.
Yeah , that’s right. Of course, wasn’t this tour supposed to fall flat on it’s face after the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame non performance. I like Ed, but admitting how good the tour is doing, is like admitting he was wrong. We all have have problem doing that sometimes.
How good the Kiss/Def Lep tour is going? I have no idea however I do hear from people every day getting groupon offers for discounts, buy one get one free offers, and front row tickets day of show. Surprising for a co headline tour by two name acts but I honestly have no idea beyond that. I also know this will be the case with many shows and tours. Too many bands tour too much..
I wasn’t going to go see the Def Leppard/KISS tour mainly because I didn’t want to see the KISS tribute with Gene and Paul. But, maybe I’ll reconsider just to see Viv. God Speed Viv! Get well soon. Hope to see you on TMS next season.
Can’t wait to see you and the boys on July 13th in Dalllas. This will be my 5th time seeing Def Leppard ( Hysteria, Adrenalize , X , summer 09 with Cheap Trick and Poison ) and my wifes first. Also will be our one year wedding anniversary. Wish you all the best Vivian and God speed.
Both were on fire at the Pepsi Center in Denver tonight. Def Leppard was amazing and Vivian at top form. Kiss was in top form, Stanley’s voice is near normal. Great staging. Don’t miss. Don’t believe the tribute thing…no way Ace & Peter could fire up like Singer & Thayer. Looked like a sell out.
The show in Salt Lake the night before was sold out. Over 20,000. A record crowd for that venue.
Yeah right, nearly normal??? (Thanks for the laugh)