Vivian Campbell

Vivian Campbell, a skilled heavy metal guitarist, first gained notice on the Irish rock circuit as a member of the Belfast outfit Sweet Savage alongside Raymond Haller, Trevor Flaming, and David Bates. An invitation to Ronnie James Dio’s band arrived shortly afterward. Campbell nevertheless departed Dio in March 1986 once the Sacred Heart U.S. tour ended, forming the project Trinity with drummer Pat Waller and bassist David Watson. He joined David Coverdale’s Whitesnake in 1987 and brought Shadow King to the stage for the first time via a 1990 concert at London’s Astoria Theatre. A self-titled album followed in 1991. The next year Def Leppard recruited his guitar work to replace Steve Clark, who died from an overdose of alcohol and drugs, and Campbell remained with the group through the ensuing two decades.