http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/entertainment/music/s_346661.html

After 13 years, Campbell still the 'new guy'

By Regis Behe
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, June 23, 2005

It's not that Def Leppard, which performs at the Chevrolet Amphitheatre tonight,
wants to dwell in its illustrious past. The members would like to be perceived
as a band that is still artistically viable, not a relic of an age gone by.

But during a 2002 tour promoting its last studio album, "X," the band learned
that a catalog of hit songs sometimes overwhelms new material.

"We went out on tour playing 22 songs a night, seven of which were from the new
album," says guitarist Viv Campbell. "That seven became six, became five, became
four, became three. By the end of the tour we were playing one song from the
album, and basically just for our own well-being."

"X" turned out to be the worst-selling release of Def Leppard's career, and
Campbell blames the band's label for a lack of support.

"People didn't even know we had a new record out," he says. "And, people want to
hear 'Photograph,' 'Rock of Ages' and 'Pour Some Sugar on Me,' which is great.
We play those songs from them, and we're thankful we can do that. But I think as
a musician you should always be looking forward."

Campbell is uniquely positioned to assess the band. He's still the so-called
"new guy" who replaced the late Steve Clark -- 13 years ago -- and has worked
with the band on studio releases including "Adrenalize" and "Euphoria." Formerly
a member of Dio and Whitesnake, Campbell says his Def Leppard mates have an
almost maniacal bent for perfection when it comes to releasing new material.

"The way this band writes and records is very unique to itself," he says, "and
it's not always an easy process. I compare it to eating sausages; you wouldn't
eat them if you saw how they were made. And Def Leppard records, the end results
may sound smooth and hi-fi, but as a musician it can be very frustrating process
to go through."

The conventional way to make a record, Campbell says, is to write a song,
rehearse, then cut the track in the studio.

Then there's the Def Leppard way.

"Leppard doesn't make the distinction between writing and recording," he says.
"It's all one process, it's always morphing. With most people the song is
written, it's recorded, it's done. You move on. With Leppard, I never believe
that a song is finally finished until it's in the store."

So who's the taskmaster, the Leppard that cracks the whip? Actually, the band
doesn't need a leader because the work ethic is strong and inherent in every
member.

Campbell does allow, however, that he has a unique role.

"Actually, I'm the one who says let's move on," he says, with a laugh. "But
that's the only way they know; it's the only way the rest of them have ever made
records. I have the benefit of having done it the other way in other bands, but
that's all they know."

Of course, one can't fault the results. Campbell says he's still thrilled to be
part of a band that has an inimitable sound. He still enjoys Joe Elliott's
vocals, Rick Allen's drumming, and working with fellow guitarist Phil Collen and
bassist Rick Savage. But while the band is touring behind a new greatest hits
collection, "Rock of Ages," and plans to release an album of cover songs later
this year, he's most looking forward to, well, returing to the sausage factory.

"Still, the most exciting thing will be going into the studio and writing a new
record," Campbell says. "And hopefully this time people will know that we have a
new record."

Regis Behe can be reached at rbehe@tribweb.com or (412)320-7990. 

© 2005 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co