Vivian Campbell Reflects on Music and Healing After Troubled Times

Vivian Campbell, guitarist for the iconic rock band Def Leppard, recently shared his experiences of performing in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, highlighting the unique challenges faced by musicians from different religious backgrounds. In an interview with BBC News NI, Campbell spoke candidly about how the societal tensions of the time influenced their performances.

Music as an Escape from Conflict

Reflecting on his time touring with the band Sweet Savage in the late 1970s, Campbell described how the four members came from diverse religious backgrounds. This diversity often led to moments of silence on stage, as he recounted, “there were always two of us that didn’t speak on any show.” He explained that this practice was a way to navigate the prevailing tensions while still focusing on their music. “It was like, ‘OK, you two shut up tonight, don’t say anything,'” he said.

Despite the challenges, Campbell emphasized that music served as a vital escape from the political climate. “For us, music was ‘the escape,'” he noted. He also expressed optimism about the changes in Belfast since his youth, acknowledging that the city has significantly improved over the years. The guitarist believes that music has the power to unite people, stating, “We need more love, we need more music and more pizza.”

Health and Future Performances

In addition to reflecting on his past, Campbell also shared his personal journey with health challenges. He is celebrating being in 100% remission from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for the first time in over a decade. He humorously attributed his good fortune to the “Luck of the Irish” after undergoing a rigorous treatment process, including a donor stem cell transplant. “It was quite a process to go through but I’m very, very glad I had the opportunity. It couldn’t have worked out better,” he said, expressing gratitude for his recovery.

Feeling physically strong and energetic, Campbell described himself as “an old geezer in a good spot.” He joined Def Leppard in the early 1990s, and the band is renowned for hits such as “Animal,” “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” and “Let’s Get Rocked.” Looking ahead, Campbell is excited to return to Northern Ireland, where he plans to perform at the Belsonic festival next summer. He views this opportunity as a “privilege” and hopes to spend some downtime in County Donegal to relax and reconnect with his roots.

As Campbell continues to navigate both his musical career and personal health journey, his reflections serve as a reminder of the unifying power of music, even in the face of adversity. The evolution of Belfast and the resilience of its artists resonate strongly in his story, providing hope and inspiration to many.