Def Leppard played it first concert of 2025 in Leon, Mexico, on Saturday, January 18, but guitarist Vivian Campbell did not take part in the show. In his place was Def Leppard member Phil Collen’s guitar tech, John Zocco.
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Now, Campbell has shared a message explaining why he wasn’t on hand for the veteran British rockers’ show. In the note, which was posted on Def Leppard’s social media pages, the 62-year-old musician revealed his absence was because he was receiving treatment for the cancer he’s been battling for more than a decade.
“Thank you for all the recent messages and support,” Campbell wrote. “As you all may know, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma several years ago. I recently had a bone marrow transplant as part of my treatment plan, and it’s safe to say that thus far it’s been a very successful transplant! I just have to keep my head down and my spirits up for the next 100 days of primary recovery.”
Campbell announced that he’d been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in June 2013. Since then, he’s undergone various medical treatments, including stem-cell transplants, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Def Leppard’s next scheduled concert won’t take place until May 15 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, so hopefully Vivian will be ready to rejoin the band by then.
Fans Send More Positive Messages in Response to Campbell’s Post
Campbell’s post inspired a variety of fans to share supportive messages in the comments section of Def Leppard’s Instagram page.
One fan wrote, “Oh my gosh, thank freaking goodness!!! Glad to hear Vivian is doing well!”
Another commented, “We’ve all been waiting for this news, keep your spirits up Viv, you’ll be back on the road soon enough doing what you love.”
A third fan wrote, “Oh Viv, that’s AMAZING news!!! Here’s wishing you lots of rest and an easy recovery. Can’t wait to see you out rocking again!”
Def Leppard’s Other 2025 Tour Plans
In addition to the May 15 concert in Puerto Rico, Def Leppard has nine North American shows confirmed for 2025. They span from a May 17 performance at the Boardwalk Rock festival in Ocean City, Maryland, through an August 20 gig in Highland, California.
The band’s itinerary includes performances at Summerfest in Milwaukee on June 19; at the Country Thunder Saskatchewan fest in Craven, Canada, in July; at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, on August 14; and at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois, on August 16.
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