Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell: Cancer Returns, Vows to Keep Rocking

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has announced that his battle with Hodgkin lymphoma continues, as the cancer has returned after being in remission. This marks a significant development in his over a decade-long fight with the disease.

Campbell, 63, shared that he underwent a donor stem cell transplant in the winter of 2023, a procedure considered when a patient's own stem cells are ineffective. He described this period as particularly frightening, feeling it was his only hope for survival. Unfortunately, the transplant did not result in sustained remission.

Despite the ongoing health challenges, Campbell is determined not to slow down. He is continuing treatments to manage the condition and anticipates potentially needing another transplant in the coming years. The guitarist finds that staying active with Def Leppard's tours and work provides him with a sense of purpose and helps him maintain a positive outlook, deflecting focus from his illness.