Photo by Helen L. Collen Photography

 

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has checked in with the following update on his battle with cancer, which was said to be in remission back in July:

"As many of you know, I’ve been scheduled to start a stem cell transplant and as soon as I got home from tour I began the necessary tests and preparations. I’ll be admitted to hospital soon for all the yucky bits, so in the meantime I’m headed to Target to stock up on cozy pajamas, fresh underwear, and a sackful of car-porn.

Unfortunately, this means that I won’t be able to perform with the band on the upcoming NFL broadcast on September 28th, nor will I be able to do the shows scheduled for October/November.

While I can’t say that I’m looking forward to the process ahead, I’m very much looking forward to what I feel will be a most successful outcome. Next year will be very busy for Def Leppard with a new album and a world tour, and frankly, I don’t think they would sound as loud without me, so I have no intention of letting the team down!

See you all (with hair!) in 2015."

Go to this location for Def Leppard's tour schedule.

Def Leppard will perform the pre-game show at the first of this year’s three NFL International Series games on Sunday September 28th, when the Oakland Raiders host the Miami Dolphins.

The band will showcase some of their biggest hits before kickoff of the NFL’s ninth regular-season game to be played in London since the International Series began in 2007.

Vocalist Joe Elliott said: “Having most recently visited Wembley in May to watch Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final, I know what the atmosphere in the ground is like for ‘our’ football so I’m really looking forward to performing there before the NFL game and of course soaking up the excitement of the actual match. I can’t wait!”’

The Raiders-Dolphins game will kick off at 6:00 p.m. UK time (1:00p.m. ET) and will be aired live in the UK on Channel 4 and Sky Sports and in the US on CBS.

Watch the announcement video at this location.