Def Leppard kicked off their highly anticipated 2025 tour on Saturday night in Leon, Mexico. However, the performance was marked by the notable absence of one of the band?s key members, Vivian Campbell.

During the concert, lead vocalist Joe Elliott addressed the audience, sharing, ?Vivian Campbell cannot be with us tonight. He?s just recovering from some treatment for his cancer. So, manfully, please say hello to the guy that?s standing in for him tonight, Mr. John Zocco on guitar.? This heartfelt message underscored the band?s camaraderie and the challenges they face.

John Zocco, who stepped in as the guitarist for the evening, is not only the guitar tech for band member Phil Collen but has also made his mark as a dedicated photographer for Def Leppard. His extensive experience as a touring guitarist spans numerous rock and country artists, showcasing his versatility and talent in the music industry.

Understanding Vivian Campbell’s Courageous Fight Against Cancer

Since joining Def Leppard in 1992, Vivian Campbell has made significant contributions to the band, having previously played with legendary groups like Whitesnake and Dio. In 2013, he bravely went public with his diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and since then, he has been in a relentless battle against this serious illness.

READ MORE: The Best Song From Every Def Leppard Album

In 2014, Campbell underwent stem-cell therapy, a significant step in his treatment journey. By 2015, he participated in a clinical trial for the promising anti-cancer medication pembrolizumab. His commitment to fighting cancer included ongoing immunotherapy treatments, which he maintained through 2022, before transitioning to a combination of both immunotherapy and chemotherapy for more effective results.

Throughout this challenging period, Campbell has been remarkably open about his struggles with cancer, shedding light on the emotional and physical toll it takes.

In a candid 2023 interview on the Lymphoma Voices podcast, he emphasized, ?There’s no shame in having cancer. There’s no shame in going through treatment and wearing the effects of your treatment physically,? referring to the hair loss he experienced due to chemotherapy. He added, ?For me as a musician, there was something that just allowed me to go on stage and just focus on the essence of who I am as a musician and as a person and to just put it all out there.?

Looking ahead, Def Leppard is gearing up for their next performance scheduled for May 15 in Puerto Rico, marking another opportunity for fans to connect with the band despite the challenges they face.