Vivian Campbell reveals cancer has returned after failed transplant

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has announced that his cancer has returned following an unsuccessful donor stem cell transplant. Campbell, 63, was originally diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013.

In an interview with El Salvador’s Radio YSKL FM, Campbell explained that after a rapid decline in his health during the winter of 2023, he underwent a donor transplant in January 2025. Although he had previously reported being in remission, he confirmed that the procedure “didn’t stick” and he is now continuing treatments to manage the disease.

Campbell indicated that he will likely require another transplant with a different donor in the coming years. Despite the setback, the musician stated he has no intention of slowing down his professional life, noting his commitment to Def Leppard, his side project Last In Line, and his interest in rally driving. He encouraged others facing similar diagnoses to overcome fear and focus on living life to the fullest.