Vivian Campbell, the acclaimed guitarist for the legendary rock band Def Leppard, has disclosed that he is once again battling cancer, a recurrence that follows a recent stem cell transplant that unfortunately did not prove successful. The 63-year-old musician shared his candid update during an interview with El Salvadorian station YSKL, detailing his ongoing fight with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his resilient philosophy for navigating the challenges of the disease.
Campbell’s initial diagnosis with Hodgkin’s lymphoma came in 2013, marking the beginning of a protracted health struggle. He revealed in the YSKL interview that the cancer had returned in 2015, and most recently, experienced another relapse. This latest setback has prompted a renewed focus on his health and treatment strategies.
A Renewed Battle with Cancer
The severity of Campbell’s condition became acutely apparent in the winter of 2023. "There’s only been one time that I felt it was gonna kill me," Campbell stated, referring to that period. The rapid progression of the disease at that time instilled a profound sense of fear, compelling him to pursue a donor transplant as his sole chance for survival. The transplant procedure took place in January 2025, but sadly, it did not achieve the desired outcome. "Unfortunately, it didn’t stick. So the cancer has returned, and I’m continuing treatments to manage it," he explained.
Despite the discouraging news, Campbell remains steadfast in his determination to fight. He has indicated plans to explore another transplant within the next few years, this time with a different donor, in hopes of a more successful outcome. In the interim, he is committed to continuing his musical endeavors, performing with Def Leppard and his side project, Last in Line.
Maintaining Momentum Through Passion and Purpose
Campbell’s approach to managing his illness extends beyond medical treatments. He emphasized the importance of staying active and pursuing his passions as crucial elements in maintaining a positive outlook. "The key, Campbell told the station, is to keep ‘moving forward’ and stay busy." His lifelong fascination with automobiles and rally car racing serves as a significant source of enjoyment and distraction. "I love cars and I love driving," he said. "And as a child, I thought, ‘If I don’t play guitar for a living, I’m gonna be a race-car driver.’ So I’m very, very, very fortunate and blessed that I get to do both."
This dedication to his hobbies and profession provides him with a sense of purpose and something to anticipate each day. "I do think that that’s what helped me, even when I was at a really low ebb with cancer treatment," Campbell elaborated. "The fact that I could still continue to work, that gives me something to live for, something that you enjoy, that you’re passionate about, that you can wake up in the morning and look forward to. I think that deflects, that takes away from focusing too much on cancer."
Understanding Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of the body’s germ-fighting network. The Mayo Clinic describes it as a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and is highly treatable and often curable. Treatment options typically include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
Campbell’s journey with the disease highlights the complexities of cancer treatment and the potential for recurrence even after intensive interventions like transplantation. His experience underscores the ongoing need for research and advancements in oncology to improve long-term outcomes for patients.
A Legacy in Rock and Resilience
Vivian Campbell has carved out a significant career in the music industry, contributing his distinctive guitar work to several iconic bands. Before joining Def Leppard in 1992, he was a member of Dio, Ronnie James Dio’s band, and also played with Whitesnake and the British band Sweet Savage. His tenure with Def Leppard began following the untimely death of founding guitarist Steve Clark, and he has been an integral part of the band’s sound and success for over three decades.
His perspective on dealing with a cancer diagnosis is one of proactive engagement rather than passive surrender. Campbell noted that some individuals facing cancer become solely consumed by the disease, while he has consciously strived to live his life as fully as possible. "He observed that some people who get a diagnosis focus just on the cancer and nothing else, while he has been determined to keep living his life ‘as much as possible. In fact, even more so. After getting a cancer diagnosis, it amplifies that desire to tick all the boxes, to do the things you wanna do. But I also consider myself very fortunate because I caught my cancer early. So, it’s always been more about managing my cancer.’"
A Message of Hope and Vigilance
Campbell’s personal philosophy centers on embracing life and confronting adversity with courage. He has had to miss some Def Leppard performances in 2024 and 2025 due to his health, but his commitment to the stage remains strong. His overarching message to others is one of health awareness and perseverance. "Concluding with a message that ‘life is for the living,’ Campbell said he just encourages everyone to keep an eye on their health. ‘And if you are unfortunate enough to get a cancer diagnosis to overcome the fear,’ he said. ‘Fear is inevitable when you’re first told those words. But once you get over that, you gotta realize just how to manage it and how to deal with it as best as possible, and just don’t give in.’"
Def Leppard’s upcoming tour schedule includes dates at Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla., on October 15, followed by engagements in Mexico, Central America, and South America throughout October and November. Fans will undoubtedly be sending their support and well wishes to Campbell as he continues his fight. His resilience in the face of ongoing health challenges serves as an inspiration, underscoring the power of passion and a positive mindset in overcoming life’s most formidable obstacles.
