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Published Thursday
July 28, 2005

Def Leppard, Bryan Adams bring back hits

BY NIZ PROSKOCIL
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Vivian Campbell's not sure what happened - maybe it was renewed interest in all
things '80s - but whatever it was, he's thrilled.

"We noticed a change about four or five years ago," the native Irishman said by
phone from his home in Los Angeles. "All of a sudden, it's OK to admit you like
Def Leppard."

Campbell and the rest of Def Leppard will rock Haymarket Park on Tuesday as
co-headliners with fellow '80s hitmaker Bryan Adams.

The show is part of a summer tour of minor league ballparks.

"It's a good environment to do it in," Campbell said of the tour across the
country. "The only downside is some very wet shows."

The band - known for an accessible blend of hard rock with pop melodies - is
sticking largely to the hits for this tour, but fans can also expect to hear
some covers.

In the fall, Def Leppard will release "Yeah!" an album of cover songs by some of
the group's favorite bands, including the Kinks, T. Rex, Blondie and David
Bowie.

In May, Def Leppard released a greatest-hits package called "Rock of Ages: The
Definitive Collection." The two-disc anthology debuted on Billboard's album
chart at No. 10.

Included are fan favorites "Photograph," "Rock of Ages," "Bringin' on the
Heartbreak" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me." Among the highlights is a cover of
Badfinger's 1970 hit, "No Matter What."

Since forming 28 years ago in Sheffield, England, Def Leppard has sold more than
65 million albums worldwide.

Campbell joined the chart-topping group in 1992 after the alcohol-poisoning
death of Steve Clark in 1991.

There was no trouble fitting in with the group because Campbell shared musical
tastes with his Def Leppard band mates, whom he called "kindred spirits."

"When they lost Steve, that was a blow for them. They're a very, very tight
band," he said. "They made me feel really welcome."

The key to their longevity?

"No. 1 is the personal aspect of it. It really is a tight unit," Campbell said.
"You do check your ego at the door."

That, combined with a strong work ethic and a loyal fan base, have helped keep
the band alive.

"We're writing songs as we go along and hope to start working on a new record,"
said Campbell, who has a solo album of blues covers coming out Sept. 6. "The
band never went away. We just keep making music."

Copyright ©2005 Omaha World-Herald.