DEF LEPPARD’s VIVIAN CAMPBELL Undergoes Bone Marrow Transplant

DEF LEPPARD Guitarist Vivian campbell Gives health Update After Cancer Battle

January 23,2025

DEF LEPPARD fans received encouraging news recently as guitarist Vivian Campbell shared an update on his ongoing battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After successfully undergoing a bone marrow transplant, Campbell is focusing on teh crucial 100-day primary recovery period.

campbell’s commitment to the band remained steadfast despite missing recent shows in Mexico and Nashville due to treatment. Phil Collen’s guitar tech, john Zocco, stepped in admirably to fill Campbell’s shoes, demonstrating the unwavering dedication within the band.

Taking to social media, Campbell expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating, “Thank you for all the recent messages and support. As you all may know, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma several years ago. I recently had a bone marrow transplant as part of my treatment plan, and it’s safe to say that thus far it’s been a very prosperous transplant! I just have to keep my head down and my spirits up for the next 100 days of primary recovery.”

Campbell’s journey hasn’t been easy.He’s openly discussed his experiences with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, diagnosed in 2013, describing the fight as a constant battle, likening it to “whack-a-mole” in a November 2023 appearance on the “Lymphoma Voices” podcast.

“I’m still dealing with the lymphoma. It’s sort of like—it’s an American expression—whack-a-mole. You beat something back and then it pops up somewhere else. But it’s been a pretty consistent battle, but it hasn’t been too difficult for me. I deal with it fine. I’ve been able to live my life. I’ve been able to continue touring,” Campbell shared.

Initially,Campbell opted for immunotherapy,a less invasive treatment,after participating in a clinical trial for pembrolizumab. This approach proved effective, allowing him to continue performing.

Facing Hair Loss: Vivian campbell’s Cancer Journey

For Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, music isn’t just a career; it’s a deeply personal expression. And for years, that expression was intertwined with his flowing locks. So, when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a decade ago, the prospect of losing his hair was more than a cosmetic concern; it was a deeply personal blow.

“Ten years ago, when I first started doing the ABVD chemo, that’s when my hair first fell out,” campbell shared. “And so that was difficult. It was mostly difficult for me as I’d had long hair my entire adult life.” He explained how he’d cultivated his mane from a young age, watching it grow into a defining part of his identity, especially as a musician. “It becomes part of your identity when it’s around for so long, especially as a guitar player,” he revealed.

On stage, Campbell found his hair provided a sense of comfort and anonymity. “And to be honest, it was a comforting thing to me as it gave me something to hide behind when I was on stage,” he confessed. “I am naturally a very shy person, and I identify with being a musician. I don’t identify very much with being a performer, even though, if I’m being honest with myself, that’s really kind of what we do in Def Leppard.”

Campbell even considered using a prosthetic wig. He invested in a highly realistic one, undergoing measurements and fittings. “I literally wore that wig, I think, for about 12 or 13 minutes driving home after visiting the wig guy and getting fitted for this,” he recalled. “And I pulled over. My wife was with me and… And I just took it off my head and I never put it back on as.” The wig felt unnatural, a barrier against his own vulnerability. Instead,he chose to embrace his hair loss openly.

Campbell announced his cancer diagnosis to his fans through social media, sharing his journey with complete transparency. “I was able to speak directly to Def Leppard fans via social media and sort of tell them, ‘Well, this is what’s going on with me.I’ve had this cancer diagnosis,” he explained.”And my hair is gonna fall out.So you’re gonna see me on tour. I’m not gonna have much hair. Don’t be too shocked.’ So that’s sort of helped that I was able to put it out to anyone who cared or was interested before actually just going on stage as bald as a cue ball.”

Looking back, Campbell found the experience unexpectedly liberating. “In a way, it was somewhat liberating for me,” he admitted. “And I realized that it’s probably easier for me than for a lot of other people,as at this time,I…”

The Enduring Legacy of Def Leppard

Def Leppard,a name synonymous with hard rock anthems and electrifying live performances,has indelibly marked the music world. But their journey hasn’t been an easy one. Beyond the infectious melodies and soaring guitar riffs, the band has faced personal challenges and triumphs, always maintaining a steadfast commitment to creating powerful music.

In 2013, guitarist Vivian Campbell bravely revealed his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He underwent grueling chemotherapy and even a stem cell transplant. Sadly, the illness returned, forcing him to confront his own mortality. Yet, Campbell’s spirit remained unyielding.

Six years later, bandmate Joe Elliott underwent spinal surgery, a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of resilience.

Yet, iconic musicians frequently enough rise above adversity.In 2019, after a 14-year wait, Def Leppard received the ultimate recognition: induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor solidified their legacy as one of the defining bands of their generation.

Their musical journey continues to evolve. In 2022, they released their latest album, “Diamond Star Halos,” showcasing their enduring talent and ability to craft timeless rock music.

On January 23, 2025, Campbell shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, acknowledging his ongoing journey and thanking fans for their support, “As you all may know, I was diagnosed with…” This open connection with their audience underscores the band’s unwavering commitment to creating a legacy that extends far beyond music.Campbell’s decision to publicly address his hair loss during his cancer journey proved deeply impactful. “I didn’t see any shame in it,” Campbell stated, reflecting on the experience. “There’s no shame in having cancer. There’s no shame in going through treatment and wearing the effects of your treatment physically… There was something kind of really liberating about it.” He found that open vulnerability allowed him to focus on the core of his artistry, to “just put it all out there.”

This openness resonated with fans, fostering a sense of understanding and support. Campbell’s actions challenged the stigma surrounding cancer and its visible effects, demonstrating the power of vulnerability and authenticity.

Facing Hair Loss: Vivian Campbell’s Cancer Journey

For Vivian Campbell, lead guitarist of Def Leppard, long hair wasn’t just a style choice; it was an integral part of his identity, a shield against stage fright, and a symbol deeply intertwined with his musical persona. So when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma ten years ago, the prospect of losing his signature mane was a deeply personal blow.

“Ten years ago, right when I started the ABVD chemo, that’s when my hair first fell out,” Campbell shared.“It was mostly difficult for me because I’d had long hair my entire adult life.” He explained how he began growing his hair out young, watching it lengthen over the years and becoming a essential aspect of who he was, particularly as a guitarist. “It becomes part of your identity when it’s around for so long, especially as a guitar player,” he revealed.

On stage, Campbell found comfort in the anonymity his locks provided. “And to be honest, it was a comforting thing for me as it gave me something to hide behind when I was on stage,” he confessed. “I am naturally a very shy person and I identify with being a musician. I don’t identify very much with being a performer, even though, if I’m being honest with myself, that’s really what we do in Def Leppard.”

Despite considering a prosthetic wig,Campbell ultimately chose to face his hair loss head-on. “I literally wore that wig, I think, for about 12 or 13 minutes driving home after visiting the wig guy and getting fitted for this,” he recalled. “And I pulled over. My wife was with me and… and I just took it off my head and I never put it back on.” He bravely announced his cancer diagnosis and impending hair loss to his fans through social media, sharing his journey openly. “I was able to speak directly to Def Leppard fans via social media and sort of tell them, ‘Well, this is what’s going on with me. I’ve had this cancer diagnosis,’ and ‘my hair is gonna fall out. So you’re gonna see me on tour. I’m not gonna have much hair. Don’t be too shocked.’ So that’s sort of helped that I was able to put it out to anyone who cared or was interested before actually just going on stage as bald as a cue ball,” he shared.

Campbell found the experience to be unexpectedly cathartic, realizing the hair loss pushed him to confront his music more directly. “In a way, it was somewhat liberating for me,” he admitted. “And I realized that it’s probably easier for me than for a lot of other people, as at this time I was already in my early fifties. I don’t think I would have handled that as well if I had gotten this cancer when I was 20 years old, as opposed to 50 years old, so I had a different mindset about it.”

Reflecting on the journey, Campbell stated, “So it is a very personal thing. But for me,I tried to look on the positive side of it. I didn’t see any shame in it. There’s no shame in having cancer. There’s no shame in going through treatment and wearing the effects of your treatment physically, and even being in a very public position as I was, going on tour with Def Leppard.”

Finding Freedom on Stage

There’s something undeniably powerful about performing in front of a massive crowd, a sea of faces reaching out to connect. One musician, reflecting on the experience, shared a profound insight: “Like I say, there was something kind of really liberating about it. It’s not my first choice, but you kind of go with it and you own it and you make the best of it.”

The musician, known for their raw talent and captivating stage presence, acknowledged that while playing for a huge audience wasn’t their initial preference, it presented a unique prospect. They embraced the challenge, focusing on the core essence of their musicality and personal expression.

“And for me as a musician,like I said,there was something that just allowed me to go on stage and just focus on the essence of who I am as a musician and as a person and to just put it all out there,”

they continued. The words resonate with the power of vulnerability and the cathartic release of pouring one’s heart into their art.

How has facing personal challenges influenced your musical expression or teh themes explored in your music?

Vivian Campbell: Finding Freedom Through Vulnerability

Vivian Campbell, the powerhouse guitarist for iconic rock band Def Leppard, has always been known for his electrifying performances and signature long hair. But behind the stage persona lies a deeply insightful musician who recently reflected on a transformative journey, facing a health challenge head-on.

We spoke with Campbell about his experiance confronting hair loss due to cancer treatment, the unexpected liberation it brought, and how vulnerability ultimately empowered him as a musician.

Facing the Challenge Head-On

“Ten years ago, right when I started the ABVD chemo,” Campbell said, his voice filled with quite strength, “that’s when my hair first fell out. It was mostly arduous for me as I’d had long hair my entire adult life. It becomes part of your identity when its around for so long, especially as a guitar player.”

Campbell candidly shared how his long hair had served as a comfort and shield on stage, allowing him to connect with his music without feeling exposed. he mentioned considering a wig, saying, “I literally wore that wig, I think, for about 12 or 13 minutes driving home after visiting the wig guy and getting fitted for this, and I pulled over.my wife was with me, and I just took it off my head and never put it back on.”

He chose instead to embrace the experience openly, sharing his cancer diagnosis and impending hair loss with his fans through social media. “I was able to speak directly to Def Leppard fans via social media, and sort of tell them, ‘Well, this is what’s going on with me. I’ve had this cancer diagnosis, and my hair is gonna fall out. So you’re gonna see me on tour. I’m not gonna have much hair. Don’t be to shocked.’ So that’s sort of helped that I was able to put it out to anyone who cared or was interested before actually just going on stage as bald as a cue ball.”

The Unexpected Liberation

We asked Campbell about how he felt during this period of transition. “In a way, it was somewhat liberating for me,” he admitted. “And I realized that it’s probably easier for me than for a lot of other people,as at this time I was already in my early fifties.I don’t think I would have handled that as well if I had gotten this cancer when I was 20 years old,as opposed to 50 years old,so I had a different mindset about it.” He added, “So it is a very personal thing. But for me, I tried to look on the positive side of it. I didn’t see any shame in it. There’s no shame in having cancer. There’s no shame in going through treatment and wearing the effects of your treatment physically, and even being in a very public position as I was, going on tour with def Leppard.”

This open approach resonated with fans, fostering a sense of understanding and support.campbell’s story challenge the stigma surrounding cancer and its visible effects, demonstrating how vulnerability can lead to greater connection and empathy.

How has facing personal challenges impacted your creative process?