In light of the forthcoming European and North American dates from DEF LEPPARD, guitarist Vivian Campbell felt it would be right to let the band's supporters know that he is currently in recovery from cancer.

Vivian says, “I feel fortunate that my cancer sent me an alarm call in the form of ‘the cough that wouldn’t quit’. Otherwise, how would I have known? 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 manoeuvres on my windpipe – hence the cough. What was causing the enlarged lymph nodes, however, was yet to be determined, so I underwent a surgical biopsy on March 11th, the first day of Leppard rehearsals for our Viva Las Vegas shows. Obviously, I didn’t make it to rehearsal that day, but it’s okay; I know the songs by now.

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 over 80% cure rate, so by my reckoning, if you’re going to have a cancer, Hodgie’s is the one to have!

The reason I’m sharing this with you is because, despite cancer and chemo, me and my new aerodynamic hairstyle (read: 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.

My family, friends and bandmates have all been extremely supportive through this and I look forward to a summer full of shows with both Def Leppard in June/July and the debut of LAST IN LINE this August."

The US-based Northern Irish guitarist has a busy schedule this coming summer. Fresh from Def Leppard’s triumphant Las Vegas residency, the band are set to play a series of festivals and headline shows across Europe and North America in June/July 2013. For all details go here.

In addition to performing with Def Leppard, August 2013 sees Vivian debut the reunited original DIO band under the name of Last In Line: 30 years after the recording of the legendary Dio albums Holy Diver, Last In Line and Scared Heart, and without trying to replace the singular sound that was RONNIE JAMES DIO’s voice, the original band have started playing the songs they wrote and created together again. Joined by the passionate, powerful and unique voice of vocalist Andrew Freeman, Vivian Campbell, Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Claude Schnell have united under the name of their classic album, Last In Line, to perform and tour their original songs again.

Last In Line are set to tour the UK in August 2013 with further dates worldwide to follow. For all confirmed dates go here.