Vivian Campbell reveals cancer has returned but he will continue performing

Vivian Campbell, the Northern Irish musician known for his work with Def Leppard, is facing a recurrence of cancer but remains determined to continue performing and pursuing his passions. The 63-year-old guitarist is undergoing ongoing medical treatment, with doctors working to manage the disease's progression.

“

Only there was one time when I felt it was going to kill me. In the winter of 2023, I got very scared about what was happening and the speed at which it was happening.

Campbell, first diagnosed with cancer in 2013, described the winter of 2023 as his most challenging period, fearing for his life due to a rapid deterioration in his condition. A stem cell transplant from a donor in January 2025 brought a period of remission, but the cancer has since returned. "Unfortunately, it didn't work. So the cancer has returned and I continue with treatments to control it," Campbell stated in an interview.

“

Unfortunately, it didn't work. So the cancer has returned and I continue with treatments to control it.

Despite the setback, Campbell has no intention of stepping away from his musical career or his other interests, including his band Last in Line and rally racing. He believes that staying active is crucial to his approach to life and his battle with illness. "I think you have to keep moving forward," he said. "The fact that I could still keep working gives me something to live for, something you enjoy, something you're passionate about, something you can wake up in the morning and look forward to."

“

I think you have to keep moving forward.

Campbell's experience has reshaped his perspective on time and priorities, encouraging him to seize every opportunity and actively pursue his remaining goals. He expressed a desire to live his life to the fullest, stating, "I've always felt that I'm going to keep living my life as much as I possibly can. In fact, even more so." Future medical treatments, including the possibility of another transplant, are still being considered by his medical team.

“

The fact that I could still keep working gives me something to live for, something you enjoy, something you're passionate about, something you can wake up in the morning and look forward to.