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Vivian Campbell

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Vivian Campbell

Vivian Patrick Campbell (born in 25 August 1962 in Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland) is a Northern Irish rock guitarist and a member of Def Leppard. Prior to joining the band in April 1992, he had been a member of the Irish rock band Sweet Savage, Dio (October 1982-March 1986), Trinity, Whitesnake (April 1987-late 1988), Riverdogs, and Shadow King.

Biography

Youth and Early Career

Campbell began playing guitar at the age of 12 and it was rumoured that he lasted in school until the age of 16 when he was expelled from Rathmore Grammar School. However, the records show that he left of his own accord and was never expelled. He then went on to dedicate to his musical career joining several bands during the time. He has played for Sweet Savage, Dio, Trinity, Whitesnake, Riverdogs, and Shadow King. He also played on Lou Gramm's (from Foreigner) second solo album Long Hard Look.

Sweet Savage

Sweet Savage was a NWOBHM band that Campbell joined when he was 15. The band members in Sweet Savage included Campbell on guitar, Trev Fleming on guitar, David Bates on drums and Ray Haller on bass and vocals. The band influenced Metallica, who covered the song Killing Time on their Garage Inc. covers album. In 1980 when Campbell was 18, Sweet Savage released their first single "Lady Marion". In 1981 they released 4 singles: "Eye Of The Storm", "Ground Zero", "The Raid" and "Take No Prisoners". "Take No Prisoners" included the song "Killing Time". Much later in the late 90's after Metallica covered "Killing Time", there was interest in Sweet Savage and they released an album without him. Campbell left Sweet Savage in early 1983 to join Dio, after the band's original guitarist Jake E. Lee left.

Dio

Campbell live in 2007 at the ND State Fair

When Campbell joined Dio, Ronnie had 3 songs that he had written while Jake was in the band - Stand Up And Shout, Don't Talk To Strangers and Holy Diver. All of these songs appeared on the album and became radio hits. Former Rainbow bassist Jimmy Bain joined, completing the first line up. The band completed the album, which was a success and included Ronnie's biggest hit to date Rainbow in the Dark. The tour was a success. Ronnie and Jimmy Bain played the keyboards on the Holy Diver album and they hired Claude Schnell to play keyboards during their concerts. A concert video, called In Concert, from this tour was released. The band also played at The Monsters Of Rock festival in 1984.

The band returned to the studio to write and record the follow up to Holy Diver. This album was called The Last in Line and was as successful as Holy Diver and charted at #23. The Last in Line, We Rock and Mystery all became radio hits. Ronnie James Dio and Claude Schnell played the keyboards on the album and Claude once again played the keyboards at the concerts. The band continued to sell out arenas and play festivals. A concert video from this tour called A Special From The Spectrum was released.

After the tour the band started to work on the follow up to The Last In Line. Sacred Heart was still a success, and still managed to peak at #29 in the U.S. the album had 2 hits in Rock N Roll Children and Hungry For Heaven. The tour was very successful too and had an over the top stage show featuring a huge Dragon. Also around this time the band recorded the song Hide In The Rainbow for the Iron Eagle soundtrack, which was the last song Campbell would record with Dio. A Live E.P., called Intermission, was also released. (Craig Goldy played on the albums only studio song "Time to Burn" & over-dubbed the rhythm parts on the live tracks). Campbell left after the tour and was replaced with guitarist Craig Goldy.

Whitesnake

In 1987, Campbell joined the British heavy metal band Whitesnake. Ex-Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang (Spellbound and Crazy Nights albums only) axe-slinger John Sykes played the lead parts on the multi-platinum selling album simply titled Whitesnake, but he was fired by lead singer David Coverdale after the recording of the album, and Campbell replaced him for the subsequent world tour. Campbell was part of the new, glammed-up Whitesnake Coverdale had put together to conquer MTV and American audiences, also including Adrian Vandenberg, formerly of Teaser and Vandenberg, Tommy Aldridge of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Oak Arkansas fame, and Rudy Sarzo, having already become hugely successful playing with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. Campbell was fired after the 1987-1988 World Tour, because of "negative attitude".

Def Leppard

In 1992, Campbell joined rock band Def Leppard, after the release of their Adrenalize album. He replaced Steve Clark, who died on 8 January 1991. According to fellow guitarist Phil Collen, Campbell was able to lock right into the position very naturally by simply being himself. Campbell made his debut with the band by playing a show in a Dublin club to approximately 600 people. A week later, 20 April 1992, the band took the stage at the Freddie Mercury Concert for Life, with their new guitarist. They performed, "Animal," "Let's Get Rocked," and the Queen classic, "Now I'm Here", with Brian May.

He has spent the last 16 years with the band.

Side Projects

Aside from his work with Def Leppard, Campbell has played on the side with Clock and Riverdogs. In 2005, he also released a solo album called Two Sides Of If, which features cover versions of his favourite blues tunes and one original blues song. It features 2 of Rory Gallagher's well known songs, "Messin' with the Kid" and "Calling Card". Vivian is a huge Rory fan. It also features ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons guest appearing on the songs "Like It This Way" and "Willin' For Satisfaction", and Joan Osborne guest appearing on the song "Spoonful". The album also features drummer Terry Bozzio.

Equipment

Campbell plays Gibson guitars and was instrumental in designing the Kramer Nightswan electric guitar (owned by a private collector) alongside famed guitar builder Buddy Blaze in the 80's. As of 2007, it is rumored that Vivian is once again working with Buddy Blaze on a new guitar, the Blaze Evanator.

Personal life

Campbell currently resides in Southern California where, as of April 24, 2007, he is a neighbour of Danny Bonaduce[1] with his wife Julie and their two daughters, Lily Rose and Una Marigold. He also plays football (soccer) regularly with Hollywood United F.C. The team is composed mostly of celebrities and former professional footballers. Campbell is also a pescetarian.

Discography

With Sweet Savage

  • "Take No Prisons"/"Killing Time" (1981)
  • "Straight Through The Heart"/"Teaser" (1981)
  • "The Raid"/? (?)

With Dio

With Lou Gramm solo

With Riverdogs

  • Riverdogs (1990)

With Shadow King

  • Shadow King (1991)

With Def Leppard

With Clock

  • Through Time (1998)

Solo

  • Two Sides Of If (2005)

See also

References

  1. ^ The Adam Carolla Show with Danny Bonaduce, April 24, 2007

External links

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