Vivian Campbell – From Dio to Def Leppard

The neat little thing about this blog is that I get to be a fanboy – a dorky-fanboy, who is lucky enough to talk with people that I admire. Those of you that have read any of my writing or books know that I love music, so I was very excited when Vivian agreed to do this interview.

I first met him on a stage somewhere in southern California – San Diego, I think. He asked me how his guitar rig sounded where I responded – in my head, “You’re asking me? Dude, you’re a legend. Seriously.”

But I guess that’s the kind of guy he is. Humble, sweet and still concerned that he’s doing a good job despite playing in some legendary bands. Speaking of, he co-wrote my favorite Dio songs, The Last in Line. Which is wild, because he would have been a kid at only 22 or so. For nearly 30 years, he’s been a member of Def Leppard, who’s been at the top of the rock and roll world for over 40 years. What a career! I’ll take a few of his years as opposed to most of mine.

Without further ado…Vivian Campbell.

Q: What is your favorite sandwich and who makes the best one?

There was a deli called Victors at the corner of Franklin Ave. and Bronson in Hollywood. Avacado, Jack cheese, tomato, on egg bread with mayo. Best sandwich ever, in my opinion. Unfortunately, they closed many years ago… I haven’t eaten since.

Q: What is your favorite meal that your mom makes?

My mother loved food, loved cooking, and was a great cook, so it’s a tough choice. I’d say the savory rice was a strong contender.

Q: How did you meet your best friend?

I met Raymie Haller when I was 15 and putting together my first (real) band, Sweet Savage. Raymie had a great music collection and turned me on to so many of the artists who greatly influenced me. Raymie’s positive vibe still influences me to this day.

Q: When or how did you find what you wanted to do?

Seeing Marc Bolan and T-Rex on Top Of The Pops in the early 1970’s was a lightbulb moment for me. The course was set!

Q: How did you pursue it?

I relentlessly wore down my parents until they got me something with strings ands frets. The pattern continued all throughout my adolescence and teens; I was infected, I was obsessed, and I refused to listen to the naysayers.

Q: Did you have a mentor or mentors? Who were they and what did they do for you?

I didn’t have a guitar teacher, but when I came across anyone who played I would bug them to show me a chord or riff. After a few years my father realized that I was very serious about this passion and he became my greatest champion and supporter.

Q: What do you dream of doing or, are you already doing it? If so, what is the goal? 

I consider myself very, very fortunate that I got to live my dream of a career in music. My more recent goals involve trying to be a better human.

Q: What would your 15-year-old self say to you now?

Stay the course and believe in yourself a bit more; your difference is your strength.

Q: If life was a person what would you say? 

Sorry, I know I should try harder.

Q:  If you were in charge of the world and you had no restrictions, real or imagined, what is the one thing you would give it?  

Knowledge.

Q: Has morality disintegrated to the point that we now need Yelp for people?

I like people. I believe in them and I try not to give up on them. Some people just need more hugs than others.

Q: How is society getting things right?

With exception to the setback that was 2020, I’d say that we’re slowly following the science more than the fairytale.

Q:  What do people need in order to see each other as equals?

I’m tempted to say a swift kick in the balls, but likely the better answer might be something like less fear.

Q: Do we still need religion?

Hell no!

Q: Do you have hope for the future?

Very much so.

Q: Hot topic of the week: This is an open discussion. Could be politics: Biden/Trump.

Yes please/No thanks.

Q: What are three things that work for you? For Example, I can’t find a good razor. Because of a near unbridled need for massive profits, I find that many products don’t live up to their advertising.  

Modern cars are amazingly competent. Modern drivers are unfortunately less so.

I recommend sleep to all my friends.

Good food and good company make for the best moments.

 Alternate Questions:

 1:  Do Americans have the right to complain about immigration?

No.

2: What would you say to someone just starting out?

Work towards being comfortable in your own skin.