Just a few days before Def Leppard were to embark on a 48-date tour with Styx and Tesla, guitarist Vivian Campbell has revealed that cancer has returned and he’ll be forced to stay home.

Said Campbell via Facebook:

“I’m saddened by the fact that my cancer has returned. However, I’m beyond consolation that it’s return will prevent me from being able to do my job for a while.”

Campbell, who played guitar on the first three Dio albums before joining Def Leppard, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma back in 2013, and now the insidious cancer has returned and the 52 year old guitarist will now be, “working on a schedule of treatment with my doctors.”

Campbell replaced long-time Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark, who passed away in 1991. Another Steve, Trixter guitarist Steve Brown, will fill in for Campbell while he’s off the road, which he expects to only last a few dates.

(via Brave Words)