" Vivian Campbell"
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.
Campbell currently resides in Southern California where, as of April 24, 2007, he is a neighbour of Danny Bonaduce 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.
In 1992, Campbell joined rock band Def Leppard, after the release of their Adrenalize album. He replaced Steve Clark, who died on January 8, 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, April 20, 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 15 years with the band.
Aside from his work with Def Leppard, Campbell has played on the side with Clock and Riverdogs. In 1989, he was a member of Lou Gramm's short-lived Shadow King. 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 Z.Z. 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.
Campbell plays Gibson guitars and was instrumental in designing the Kramer Nightswan electric guitar (owned by a private collector)along side 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.
