Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has disclosed that his cancer has returned, following a bone marrow transplant in January 2025 that was unsuccessful. The 63-year-old musician, first diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013, had previously taken time off for recovery and announced remission in May.
Campbell shared the news of his cancer's recurrence in an interview, stating that he anticipates needing another transplant in the future. Despite this setback, he expressed a strong resolve to continue living life to its fullest and urged fellow cancer patients not to let their diagnosis solely define them.
"Well, I think you have to keep moving forward," Campbell said in the interview. "And I do think that that's what helped me, even when I was at a really low ebb with cancer treatment. 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."
He contrasted his approach with others who he has met, who he said, "when they've gotten a cancer diagnosis, they've only focused on that. And they think, 'Oh, I can't do anything. I need to stay in bed.'"
Campbell stated, "I've never felt that way. I've always felt like I'm gonna continue to live my 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."
He reflected on his fortune in catching his cancer early, describing his journey as more about managing the illness. However, he acknowledged a period in the winter of 2023 when the rapid progression of his condition made him fearful for his life, leading him to pursue the donor transplant as his only hope for survival.
"Unfortunately, it didn't stick. So the cancer has returned," Campbell confirmed. "And I'm continuing treatments to manage it. I'll probably have to do another transplant within a few years with another donor to try and see if maybe that would cure me."
Despite the ongoing health challenges, Campbell is not slowing down. He is actively involved with Def Leppard and his side project Last In Line, and has also taken up rally driving, a long-held ambition stemming from his childhood fascination with cars and racing.
"So, I'm very, very, very fortunate and blessed that I get to do both," he said. "So, yeah, life is for the living. And I encourage everyone to look after their own health. And if you are unfortunate enough to get a cancer diagnosis, to overcome the fear.
"Fear is inevitable when you're first told those words. But once you get over that, you gotta realise just how to manage it and how to deal with it as best as possible, and just don't give in."
Previously, Campbell had spoken about not being afraid to die, noting how his diagnosis prompted him to embrace life more fully, including making significant purchases and adopting a less cautious approach to life, echoing the Irish saying, "You're a long time dead."
In an earlier update, Def Leppard had informed fans about Campbell's absence from a tour due to his recovery from cancer surgery, with Joe Elliott stating that Campbell was in a "bubble" and unable to travel, but was doing well. Phil Collen's guitar technician, John Zocco, stepped in to perform during Campbell's absence.