Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has announced that his cancer has returned. The 63-year-old musician underwent a donor bone marrow transplant in January 2025 after his initial diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013.

Campbell, who had briefly stepped away for recovery and announced he was in remission in May of this year, confirmed the recurrence of the cancer. He anticipates needing another transplant in the future but stated he refuses to let the illness define him.

"I think you have to keep moving forward," Campbell said in an interview on El Salvador's Radio YSKL FM. "And I do think that that's what helped me, even when I was at a really low ebb with cancer treatment."

He explained that continuing his work with Def Leppard and his side project Last In Line gives him purpose. "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."

Campbell shared that he has seen individuals whose lives became solely focused on their diagnosis after receiving one. He, however, has always strived to live his life as fully as possible, especially after his diagnosis, which he feels amplified his desire to achieve his goals. He considers himself fortunate to have caught his cancer early, describing his experience as largely a matter of managing the disease.

There was one period, in the winter of 2023, when he felt the cancer was life-threatening. This led him to pursue the donor transplant, which he described as his only hope for survival at the time. Unfortunately, the transplant was unsuccessful, and the cancer has returned. He is currently undergoing treatments to manage the condition and expects to require another transplant in the coming years.

Despite this setback, Campbell is not slowing down. He is also pursuing rally driving, an activity he has always wanted to do, driven by his passion for cars and driving. He noted that he had often thought of being a race car driver if he hadn't pursued a career in music.

Campbell previously discussed his outlook on life following his diagnosis, stating on the Fueled With Chris Cyr podcast in September that it had influenced his spending habits. He mentioned purchasing an expensive car, reflecting on the idea that "you can't drive money" and embracing the sentiment, "You're a long time dead."

"So, I sort of take it to heart. I'm a little bit reckless in that way," he said. "And as I see it, you can go one of two routes — you can capitulate to it or you can just live your life. And I decided to do the latter."

In the past, Def Leppard provided an update on Campbell's health when he missed a tour due to his condition. Vocalist Joe Elliott explained that Campbell was recuperating from cancer surgery and was in a protective bubble, preventing travel. John Zocco, Phil Collen's guitar technician, stepped in to perform guitar duties. The band expressed confidence in Zocco and anticipation for Campbell's return.

Formed in Sheffield in 1976, Def Leppard became a prominent band in the new wave of British heavy metal and 1980s stadium rock. The band has sold over 100 million records globally and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. They have continued to tour and release music in recent years.