Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has confirmed that his cancer has returned less than two years after he underwent a bone marrow transplant.
Campbell opened up about his health in a new interview and said that he has no plans to slow down.
Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell says his cancer has returned after a bone marrow transplant
Campbell, 63, was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013. Over the next few years, he underwent multiple treatments. However, he has continued to perform with Def Leppard and his side project, Last in Line.
As per Blabbermouth, while speaking to Radio YSKL FM, Campbell reflected on how his diagnosis changed his outlook on life. “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,” he said, as quoted by Chaoszine.
The guitarist stated that he has tried his best to live as normally as possible after his diagnosis. “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 said.
According to Metro, Campbell underwent a donor bone marrow transplant in January 2025. The transplant followed concerns about the progression of his cancer during the winter of 2023. Campbell later said the transplant did not take.
“I did a donor transplant. Unfortunately, it didn’t stick. So the cancer has returned. And I’m continuing treatments to manage it,” Campbell revealed. The musician said he will probably have to undergo another transplant with a different donor.
“Life is for the living,” Campbell said, encouraging others facing serious illnesses not to let fear take over.
Campbell joined Def Leppard in 1992 following the death of guitarist Steve Clark and has remained a key member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band ever since.
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