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Def Leppard Tour History Fan Archive.
Vivian Campbell Shares A Message With Fans

Monday, 10th June 2013





Vivian Campbell Sheffield 2008.
Pic by DefDazz/Darren

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has shared some important news with fans via facebook about his current health situation.

Vivian was unfortunately diagnosed with a form a cancer called Hodgkin's Lymphoma recently and is undergoing treatment. The good news is that he is getting the full support of his family and the band and will be performing on the summer 2013 tour and that he still has his trademark British sense of humour intact.

Read his message below. If you want to offer your support to Vivian please do so via his facebook page.

I think everyone will agree that he has our full support and respect for his determination to go ahead with performing on the VIVA Hysteria! shows and the forthcoming summer concerts.

Vivian Campbell - 10th June 2013 facebook message

"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 6 months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment. I'm about 2 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."

"Viv."






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