Def Leppard has been on a world tour since mid-February, and while on tour, they have not cut off-stage contact with their fans. Joe Elliott has recently interviewed American Songwriter and talked about Vivian Campbell and the late guitarist Steve Clark.
Campbell replaced Clark’s position in the band after the latter’s death due to a mixture of drugs and alcohol in 1992. While the former guitarist’s presence in Def Leppard was missed, Campbell caught harmony with the rest of the members resulting in multiple successful projects and a partnership that still lasts.
In his recent interview, Leppard’s vocalist talked about the band’s relationship with the current guitarist and expressed his opinion on him taking Clark’s spot years ago. Elliott stated that Vivian Campbell was the best choice because of his talent and the chemistry he and the rest of the members had off-stage.
The band’s frontman explained:
“When Steve sadly passed away, we were finishing the album [Adrenalize, 1992] and were looking for somebody to come in and be the fifth member, the new Ronnie Wood of Def Leppard as we always call him. Vivian was perfect because we all knew he could play guitar, that wasn’t a problem, but it’s the other 22 hours you’re not on stage. We love what we do, and 45 years in it helps if you can look each other in the eye. I think the fact that we all just love music is one just massive happy coincidence.”
Although Steve Clark’s untimely death remains a heartbreak for his former bandmate, Joe Elliott, the vocalist is pleased with their choice of guitarist after him. Elliott believes in good friendship along with good partnership inside the band, and Vivian Campbell provides both quite well, according to him.
