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Def Leppard guitarist suffers cancer recurrence

Co Antrim born Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell is fighting cancer
Co Antrim born Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell is fighting cancer Co Antrim born Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell is fighting cancer

DEF Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell is being treated for a recurrence of cancer.

The Co Antrim-born musician, who has also been a member of Whitesnake, Dio and Thin Lizzy, said he is "beyond consolation" at the diagnosis.

Campbell has pulled out of the band's US tour, which started on Saturday and will run until October, while he receives further treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Originally from the Maze outside Lisburn, he joined Def Leppard in 1992.

The 52-year-old posted news to fans on the social networking site Facebook, saying: "I'm saddened by the fact that my cancer has returned.

"However, I'm beyond consolation that its return will prevent me from being able to do my job for a while.

"I'm still working on a schedule of treatment with my doctors, but I will see you all very soon."

The musician first revealed in June 2013 that he was undergoing chemotherapy, before reporting several months later that his cancer was in remission.