On Thursday, Def Leppard electrified the audience at Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with guitarist Vivian Campbell making his triumphant return after an eight-month hiatus. This performance marked not only his first show back with the band but also a significant milestone following his bone marrow transplant. The band delivered an unforgettable evening filled with classic hits, showcasing Campbell’s resilience and passion for music.
For fans eager to relive the experience, the complete set list and performance videos are available below, highlighting the band’s dynamic stage presence and the powerful connection with their audience.
Vivian Campbell, who faced a challenging battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma since his diagnosis in 2013, last played with Def Leppard in September 2024. His absence from the previous two shows was necessary as he underwent crucial treatment. In a heartening update shared in January, he expressed optimism about his health, stating, “I’ve recently had a bone marrow transplant as part of my treatment plan, and it’s safe to say that thus far it’s been a very successful transplant!”
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He further mentioned his determination to maintain a positive outlook during the next phase of recovery, saying, “I just have to keep my head down and my spirits up for the next 100 days of primary recovery,” signing off with, “A very happy Viv!”
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Despite repeated suggestions from both his bandmates and their management team to take a break, Campbell persevered and continued performing with Def Leppard throughout his rigorous cancer treatments. His commitment to music remained unwavering even during the most strenuous periods of his cancer treatment.
“Even at the worst of my cancer, when I was doing very hardcore chemotherapy, I still managed to go on tour with Def Leppard,” Campbell recounted in an interview with Ultimate Guitar in 2019. He elaborated on the challenges he faced in convincing the band and management that touring was essential for him. “I had a hard time convincing Def Leppard – and in particular the Def Leppard management at the time – that that was the best thing for me to do,” he explained.
He emphasized that staying home during treatment felt like a daunting prospect. “I think that they really wanted me to stay at home and just concentrate on my treatments,” he continued. “Whereas for me, I would have considered that a death sentence. You are what you do in life. I’ve always been a guitar player, I’ve always been a musician, and nothing brings me more joy.”
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Def Leppard is currently gearing up for an extensive series of North American tour dates scheduled through the end of August. They will be joined by notable acts such as Extreme, Bret Michaels, and The Struts. Fans can look forward to their next performance at the Boardwalk Rock festival in Ocean City, Maryland, where they will share the stage with Halestorm, Bush, Mammoth, Extreme, and co-headliner Rob Zombie.
Watch Def Leppard Perform ‘Armageddon It’ Live in Puerto Rico on 5/15/25
Watch Def Leppard Perform ‘Let It Go’ Live in Puerto Rico on 5/15/25
Watch Def Leppard Perform ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me’ Live in Puerto Rico on 5/15/25
Watch Def Leppard Perform ‘Rock of Ages’ and ‘Photograph’ Live in Puerto Rico on 5/15/25
Def Leppard Performance Set List from 5/15/25 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
1. “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)”
2. “Rocket”
3. “Let’s Get Rocked”
4. “Foolin'”
5. “Armageddon It”
6. “Animal”
7. “Love Bites”
8. “Just Like ’73”
9. “Let It Go”
10. “Take What You Want”
11. “Die Hard the Hunter”
12. “This Guitar”
13. “Two Steps Behind”
14. “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak”
15. “Switch 625”
16. “Rock of Ages”
17. “Photograph”
18. “Hysteria”
19. “Pour Some Sugar on Me”
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