Vivian Campbell recently revealed why Def Leppard chose him over other guitarists, including John Sykes, when selecting a new band member over three decades ago. The guitarist shared his insights during an interview on doepYeah Talk.
Campbell explained that the selection process focused more on personal compatibility than musical ability alone.
“It was more about getting to know each other and seeing if the personalities fit, rather than… they knew I could play guitar, they didn’t know I could sing, like I said, that was a bonus,” Campbell said. “But we did social things together. We went and we played football together. We went to dinner.”
The guitarist revealed that several musicians were considered for the position during the selection process.
“It turns out there were a couple of other guys that they played with, John Sykes, again, was one, and another guy, Huey… forgive me, I can’t remember his last name, it’s been so many years, an English guy from Birmingham, and so they’d had these guys that they were playing with,” he continued.
Campbell acknowledged the exceptional talent of his competition while emphasizing the importance of personal chemistry.
“And again, it was less about the playing and the singing, because John Sykes, I know he’s a motherfucker of a guitar player and an incredible singer,” Campbell explained. “So I’m thinking, ‘Well, if it’s just about guitar playing and singing, I think John’s got the gig.’ But it wasn’t. It was about having that personality fit to make it work. So, like I say, it’s been 31 plus years, and so far so good, but it is an incredible band.”
The guitarist concluded by praising his experience with Def Leppard compared to his other musical ventures.
“I mean, Def Leppard, it is so, so different,” Campbell said. “Having had the benefit of being- this experience, of being in so many different bands, there’s nothing, absolutely nothing that compares to Def Leppard.”
Campbell’s journey to joining Def Leppard represents a pivotal moment in both his career and the band’s history. It marks the beginning of one of rock music’s most enduring partnerships.
Def Leppard UK reported that Campbell was initially hesitant about joining the band because he was working on his own record and stepping up as a singer. However, the opportunity to join such a major group was too significant to pass up. The selection process took place over a two-week period during which the band members evaluated their compatibility beyond just musical skills.
Campbell made his first live appearance with Def Leppard on April 15, 1992, in his hometown of Dublin. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that this performance served as a warm-up for the prestigious Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. It marked the beginning of what would become a three-decade partnership. The Dublin show provided Campbell with the perfect introduction to performing with his new bandmates in front of a home crowd.
The guitarist’s extensive musical background before joining Def Leppard included notable collaborations with iconic bands such as Dio and Whitesnake, as well as working with Lou Gramm. Guitar Player highlighted that this rich musical history brought considerable experience to Def Leppard. Yet Campbell has consistently stated that his time with the band remains his most enduring and fulfilling musical engagement.
Campbell noted that Def Leppard’s serious work ethic distinguished it from his previous musical experiences. This contributed significantly to his long-lasting commitment to the group. The combination of personal chemistry, professional respect, and the band’s unique approach to their craft ultimately sealed Campbell’s place in Def Leppard. It allowed him to contribute to the band’s success for more than three decades since 1992.
