Artist News Gigs & Festivals

Def Leppard guitarist receiving cancer treatment, will continue to tour

By | Published on Wednesday 12 June 2013

Vivian Campbell

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has announced that he has been receiving treatment for cancer for the last two months. However, he added that he will still perform with the band on their European and US tour dates in June and July.

In a statement posted on the band’s website, Campbell said: “My diagnosis was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and six months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment. I’m about two 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!”

He continued: “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”.

The band have also just completed a Las Vegas residency, at which Campbell also performed in between treatments.



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