VIVIAN CAMPBELL of Def Leppard/Dio on COUCH RIFFS PODCAST performing CHEAP SUNGLASSES
Vivian Campbell is, by my estimation, one of the most underrated guitarists to emerge during the 80s rock and metal explosion. His style and sense of flash have always impressed me and left me wondering "how does one end up sounding like this? Playing like THAT?" and, apparently it is a healthy diet of Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, and Michael Schenker.
When Viv agreed to be on the show I was pretty much over the moon. What a storied (and deserved) career he's had and what an impression he's made on me and so many other players and music lovers. As a side note, in my infinite excitement I dropped the ball. I neglected to even mention his Rock Hall of Fame induction this year along with the rest of Def Leppard (even though I watched it only a week before meeting up with him). I need to start taking notes before I have these conversations!
Viv was an ace guest, a great story teller, and a humble guitar giant. Go check out the new Last In Line album, Last In Line II (out now!). It features classic rock and metal brought to you by the surviving members of the original Dio band and is built on the types of classic riffs and beats you know and love. Viv's main guitar from his Dio days is also getting a Ltd Ed release from Epiphone who is recreating the guitar Viv used in his youth, during the Holy Diver tour, and in this performance of Couch Riffs.
Thanks again for your support. Go check out the Couch Riffs podcast on iTunes, or any of your favorite places to hear podcasts, for the full one-hour conversation with Vivian Campbell.