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 USA 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...

The Kings of Chaos Tour kicks off tonight in South Africa! The band is Joe Elliott's side project featuring Slash, Matt Sorum, Duff McKagan, and Gilby Clarke of Guns 'n' Roses, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Steve Stevens from Billy Idol, and Myles Kennedy from Alter Bridge. Yesterday the band assembled for a Google Hangout with Cape Town radio station 94.5 Kfm and for a proper press conference. Watch the videos below

Joe Elliott and his side project, Kings Of Chaos, have just arrived for their tour in South Africa!

Joe recently spoke to South Africa's Jacaranda 94.2 on the legacy of Def Leppard, the VIVA! Hysteria shows and thoughts on doing another full-album residency, working with Mutt Lange, and the Kings Of Chaos tour - Listen HERE

This weeks show Joe will be paying tribute to Trevor Bolder (David Bowie, Uriah Heep, Cybernauts) and Ray Manzarek (The Doors) and playing songs from them including The Cybernauts, The Doors, as well as Queen, New York Dolls, amongst others!
 
For those in the U.K. tune into Joe's weekly radio show on PlanetRock.com on Saturdays at 6pm (GMT) / 1pm (EST).  For those listening outside the U.K. listen live from this site HERE