Vivian Campbell, the esteemed guitarist for the legendary rock band Def Leppard, has recently shared the challenging news that he is once again battling cancer. This development marks a difficult chapter in a long-standing health journey for the 63-year-old musician.
Campbell’s history with the disease dates back to 2013, when he was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Following extensive treatment, the guitarist experienced a period of remission that lasted over a decade. Despite having previously undergone a liver transplant, Campbell recently confirmed that the cancer has returned, necessitating ongoing medical intervention to manage his condition.
In a candid interview with the El Salvador-based radio station YSKL, Campbell opened up about the frightening progression of his health in late 2023. "In the winter of 2023 I got really scared about what was happening and the pace at which it was happening," he explained. "I realized at that point that I had to do a donor transplant. It was my only hope to survive." While he successfully underwent the procedure, he noted that the transplant "didn't stick," leading to the current recurrence of the disease.
Despite these significant health hurdles, Campbell remains steadfast in his dedication to his craft. Beyond his iconic tenure with Def Leppard since the early 1990s, his storied career includes collaborations with heavyweights such as Whitesnake and Dio, as well as touring with Thin Lizzy. He emphasized that he is still capable of working and continues to find deep fulfillment in his music.
Looking ahead, Campbell and his bandmates—who have achieved the monumental milestone of selling over 100 million records—are preparing for the release of their 13th studio album in 2027. The band, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, has already debuted the lead single, "Rejoice," earlier in 2026. As the group continues to record and tour through November 2026, Campbell is using his platform to advocate for proactive health management. "Life is for living," he told YSKL. "I encourage everyone to look after their own health. And if you’re unfortunate enough to get a cancer diagnosis to, you know, overcome the fear."