Def Leppard started 2025 with live dates in Leon, Mexico, over the weekend. However, guitarist Vivian Campbell was missing from the stage. Frontman Joe Elliott announced that Campbell could not show up as he is currently in recovery from recent cancer treatment.
Elliott presented Vivian Campbell’s replacement, guitar tech John Zocco, asking concertgoers to warm up to him. Campbell’s bandmates and fans sent their support, wishing him a speedy recovery. Though the audience seemed disappointed, they were truly entertained by the rest of the band at Feria Estatal De León in Leon, Mexico.
What happened to Vivian Campbell?
Vivian Campbell was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, in 2013. He experienced symptoms in the form of a persistent cough, which pushed him to run some tests. After undergoing chemotherapy, Campbell was officially in remission by late 2013.
Though excited about the remission back then, he was cautious in his optimism, aware that the cancer could return. Unfortunately, Viv’s cancer returned in 2015, and he has been battling it ever since. He previously shared his plan to undergoa stem cell transplant, which he clearly has yet to complete.
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How is Vivian Campbell doing now?
Campbell has faced numerous battles with lymphoma but continues to push forward. He has mentioned that, although the cancer sometimes resurfaces, the treatment has been effective in managing it. He described his ongoing fight as a “Whac-a-Mole” situation, where the cancer retreats in one area but occasionally reappears in another. Regardless, Campbell has managed to lead a fulfilling life doing what he loves.
For most of the past decade, Campbell has been undergoing immunotherapy using a drug called pembrolizumab, which he began in 2015. He initially considered other treatment options like radiation and chemotherapy but decided to try immunotherapy. This decision paid off, as the treatment is proving effective in keeping the cancer under control so far.