Northern Irish rock guitarist Vivian Patrick Campbell of Def Leppard fame was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Campbell posted on his Facebook page Monday: “My cancer sent me an alarm call in the form of a cough that wouldn’t quit. After several months of trying every inhaler known to man, my doctor finally had me x-rayed. A further CAT scan revealed that enlarged lymph nodes were doing wrestling maneuvers with my windpipe.”
“On March 11th, I underwent a surgical biopsy. My diagnosis was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and 6 months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment. I’m about 2 months in and feeling rather spiffy, all things considered. Hodgkin’s has an 80% cure rate, so by my reckoning, if you’re going to have a cancer, Hodgie’s is the one to have!”
The Irish rocker has been with the band since 1992 and warned his fans, “The reason I’m sharing this with you is because, despite cancer and chemo, me and my new aerodynamic hairstyle (no hair) are going on tour this summer with the band and I don’t want anyone to be so shocked by my new look that they ask for a refund. Simple economics, really.”
Def Leppard kicks off their summer tour in France on June 21 and will call it a wrap on July 17 in New York.
Campbell, 50, resides in Southern California with his two daughters when he isn’t on the road with the band.
Photo: Facebook-Vivian Campbell