Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell is currently undergoing chemotherapy in a battle against cancer, and feeling "rather spiffy" after two months of treatment.
Campbell informed fans of Def Leppard about his affliction, diagnosed as Hodgkin's Lymphoma, on the official website on June 10. He went in for a check-up after 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 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," wrote Campbell.
The diagnosis was Hodgkin's and the treatment - six months of chemotherapy. "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!" said the note.
Campbell is still intent on touring with Def Leppard in the summer. "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," said the guitarist.
Def Leppard's tour in June and July will take the band to venues in Europe and North America. Campbell is also part of the reunion of his old band Dio, under the new name Last in Line, and will be performing with them in the U.K. in August.
In support of their bandmate, who's been with them since 1992, Def Leppard tweeted from their official Twitter handle: "Thank you for all the kind words for Vivian. Join us in sending him our best well wishes for a speedy recovery."
