Case study on the evolution of Vivan Campbell with Black Les Paul citing examples.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- I thought maybe I might share my thoughts on Vivian. He was one of my favorite guitarists, especially in his early days. As a fan I followed him closely and here are some of my observations with a little bit of guitar thrown in of course. I brought the 1983 Black Les Paul Custom out to add to the fun although I cannot play it very well.
A great walk down memory lane, I graduated in 1989 when metal ruled the world still!! Best time to be alive 83-89!!! Another wonderful video!!
Thanks so much!
This video is EPIC!!
Vivian had a way of grabbing shape on the B and G string and bend it to the moon, and i liked it better when he played things sloppy! Do you like it Heavy? Do you like it Mean? Do you like it Dirty he don't play it clean! ;)
I graduated in 91' right about the time it died and grunge took over.
Dude! You are shredding, that Les Paul sounds great and you're nailing some Vivian licks! You have no need to be so modest, man. Thanks for the video and I really enjoy hearing you talk about Vivian, he was one of my big influences, too.
Vivian Campbell is really underrated in my opinion!!
He's certainly played in many bands & everywhere he's played he's done a great job!!!
I use to come home from school every day and jam with that first album. Learned every song! Huge impact on my playing.
The first album was awesome. Best Vivian to date. Huge impact on me as well.
Vivian was and is Incredible..One of the best ever just didn't hear of him once he joined def lepard..Loved his playing style and with all those Harmonics..wow..I miss His licks that's for sure..but I am glad he's ok..He was one of the few guitarist I was inspired by..Him and RR...but anyway, Thanks for posting this man..
God Bless U Vivian Campbell..!!!..
Listening to you talk about Vivian is almost identical to what happened to me. I’m an ‘84 graduate. I saw Vivian in ‘83 on their first album and I was blown away. To this day, I wish he could put out something like that today with his current band. I’ve mentioned on several places like their Instagram site that Vivian needs someone like Dio to really squeeze his inner creative self once again. To me, I’ve yet to hear him come out with truly beautiful riffs and melodies like he did back in the early 80s. Still, he’s definitely one of my favorite guitar players to date. On a side note, I mentioned on the “Ghost” Instagram site that maybe they need to have him come on board so Tobias Forge can coax some of his awesomeness once again (lol lol). BTW, they did like that response for what it’s worth..
Fabulous post!
Its not all about who is faster, Yngwie or Vivian Campbell. I grew up listening to Dio, First real gig I went to was Dio on the Holy diver tour in 1983. Vivian campbell was a huge influence on my guitar playing. Pinched harmonics and muted scale runs. Along with Ritchie Blackmore & 1980's Gary Moore, I still play guitar and can definitely hear all of these influences in my style. Like everyone, I was blown away by the first few Yngwie albums, but then after that he that they all sounded the same. He had nowhere to go.
I saw that Dio - Dokken tour in Chicago. They raised each other's game every night.
I saw them in Louisville Kentucky , Vivian kicked ass
My favorite aspect of Viv's playing with Dio relates to his rhythm playing. Dio often broke the standard song structure formula (verse chorus verse chorus solo chorus out) by adding a 3rd verse after the solo, and often, Viv would make a subtle change to the rhythm part, playing it just slightly different than the first two times, often giving a different dynamic/accent/texture/etc. Some aspect that he would tweak just enough to keep things interesting and fresh.
AWESOME playing and study.i have a black 1978 les paul custom. Vivan was and still is underrated as a Great guitarist.
Oh man. The memories of those albums. And I am not even in USA when I first heard Holy Diver and the entire album. I had a friend who brought the vinyl to my house and said hey listen to this. I was into Rush and Triumph and Dokken all other rock and metal bands of that time. But the moment we put the disk on and blasted it - man it blows our minds. We listen to that over and over for hours. Such treats and legends both Vivian and Dio.
Thanks for sharing the memory and bro keep playing.
"I can't play a Les Paul"...Continues with melting faces on a Les Paul.
lol! I know right! I wish I “couldn’t” play a Les Paul like that!!
Vivian was in Sweet Savage before DIO and John Sykes nearly got the Dio Gig! Vivian did play Kramers when he joined Whitesnake.
I started playing guitar in 1985. George Lynch was HUGE in the guitar community where I lived. I can see how Vivian was influenced by him. Both are great players but at that time Lynch was the guy guitar players were chasing.
Love your videos!! Please keep making more!
Yes I think you're right. I had his instructional VHS and he talked specifically about leaning in too heavy with the pick. I had only seen him live twice. When I was able to check him out on a bunch of recorded shows I was surprised at how much picking he put in. There's no doubt that he was influenced by Yngwie and Paul Gilbert and said in an interview that he felt frustrated he wasn't able to get to that level of picking. I feel like Vivan was at times an incredibly fast player which enhanced his unique style. He is probably my favorite metal player ever. Yngwie and Lynch are close seconds. Sacred Heart was a beautiful statement of style but when I look at the shows that were recorded for LiL and HD I feel like he hit a peak that no one will ever quite equal. It's a combination of style and technique set against a master songwriter singer drummer bassist and keys.
I always enjoy when you "ramble" Great video!!!
Another great vid sir. I too grew up on the same music, and I remember Holy Diver was the most anticipated album back then, cos he had not long left Sabbath and we were all expecting big things..he didn't disappoint. He found a real gem in Vivian.
Watching you play that Black beauty. Was inspiring and impressive. "I can't play on a les Paul". Don't sell yourself short! Fantastic video. Take care.
Thank you friend. I really appreciate it.
Great video.I'm a shredder who loves Malmsteen and so forth.Viv is along with Randy are my favorite guitarist.
Thanks for the vid on Viv!
I graduated HS in 83 and played a 1965 Jaguar thru a boss pedal into a Marshall combo amp trying to replicate the last in line solo... Ahhh the good ol daze.
Dio live at the spectrum 1984 captures Vivian Campbell at his best and at that point in time he was the best.
Never go full legato! Here endeth the lesson. Thanks Johnny, cool video.
One thing that wasn't mentioned here,Vivs use of the Floyd. Once he went with the Charvels, the Floyd was a big part of his style, right up through his time with whitesnake and his Kramers. I'm not sure when he went back to the les Paul's, but i talked to him once and he was saying that he just didn't feel the need for the Floyd anymore :(
Excelent job! Greetings from Rio de Janeiro!
Thanks for watching! Rio de Janeiro!
I graduated in 1987....Music and musicians today can not and do not hold a candle to what music and musicians were in the 80s and early 90s. Music is disappointing today so that is why I love watching these channels.
Bassist/Chapman Stickist/Hack Guitarist here, and both our Fathers have great taste in Guitars: I’m getting the 1969 Martin D-35, which sounds absolutely heavenly, and my brother’s got dibs on the 1973 SG. 😉
Anyway, Viv’s probably my biggest influence when I hack away on my Modded PRS SE Tremonti SE (Locking Tuners, TUSQ Nut, EMG Retroactive “Super ‘77” Pickups - FANTASTIC late ‘70s/‘80s Hard Rock tone! - TUSQ String Savers & Tremol-No) and were the Wife gave the okay for his Signature, I’d get it in a heartbeat! We caught “Last In Line” in a tiny Eastern Kentucky venue that we scheduled our Summer ‘17 vacation - they were amazing, Viv rocked the hell out of his black ‘77 LP, and Vinnie Appice had a nice chat with us before the show and made sure I got a stick at the end (I’ve a few disabilities, and use a wheelchair for show but aren’t afraid to push my way up front need-be! 🤟🏼)
Totally agree with ya. I saw the Sacred Heart Tour twice. First with Vivian, next with Craig Goldy. Great chops on ya.
Thanks man love your playing and I’m a huge Vivian fan too
Yes, that Holy Diver album, still as epic as any album ever made. I've always said, be it lead vocals, lead guitar, base or drums, each is an example of the best ever, all on that one album.
Great to hear someone from that time talk about this stuff. Not to mention the examples. Lots of lessons in there.
Thanks and thanks for watching!
Nailed it bro...fantastic thanks for the memories
Thanks, I really appreciate it. Thanks for watching!
The 83 Spectrum concert is ingrained in my head. Yeah oh!!
TH-cam just recommended you to me and I'm really enjoying your story telling.
Gotta love Dio!.. Lovin the videos!.. thanks for taking the time to make them
It is my pleasure. Thanks so much for watching.
love the right hand technique!
Love your videos talking about bands/musicians and playing in between.
Vivian was a beast on Holy Diver, but his style did seem to change after that.
I was hugely into Vivian back in 1984 when I first picked up guitar. After learning as much Black Sabbath as I could I moved onto Campbell, Rhoads, Jake, Glenn, and KK. Iommi and the others were superheroes to me, and I was very obsessed. Vivian was a bit like what Gary Moore might have been if he'd been in a successful Classic Metal band (though it could be argued Lizzy's Black Rose was just that), except Vivian was more squeaky lol. He was like the very sound of youthful energy, confidence, freewheeling...terrific. To me his best tone by far was the Les Paul, however the Aria had a very good live sound and was as you said, fun to watch. I do happen to like more than a little of the Sacred Heart playing and am still in love with about half of that album's songs...which put me in the minority lol. From what I recall (and I was probably just as much a magazine-collector as you, Johnny) Campbell actually was quoted saying how jealous he was of Malmsteen, whom he first heard when Alcatrazz opened for Dio back in '83 or '84. Malmsteen, when asked in an interview what he thought of that said (practically verbatim quote) "why does he care what I'm doing? He plays with the greatest singer in the world!". Super fun video btw, Johnny, many thanks.
I came up during that era and Vivian was one of the big influences on me. Van Halen drove me to play guitar, but Campbell had my complete attention during those first few Dio albums. I followed him closely through the guitar rags and his Hot Licks VHS tape or whatever it was called. In it, he cites Gary Moore and EVH as two of the greats that had a big influence on his playing, obvious with respect to Moore. It was going back and listening to Moore that gave me a great deal of insight into Viv's style, just as studying Clapton gave me greater insight into EVH's style.That was an exciting period in rock history; I just had to make a clean break after all of the spandex, hairspray and makeup ruined everything. I welcomed the Seattle sound, which dispensed with the self-indulgent pyrotechnics.
That is very interesting. Thanks for watching brother!
Dude, that is very well said.
Dio - Holy Diver and Dokken -Tooth & Nail were what made me wanna become a Guitarist not just a player . Being Honest Lynch became my Guru and solidified my path as a player . VC deserves lots of credit for shaping Guitar heavy Bands Guitar Work going forward in the 80's
my first garage band was doin holy diver, so much fun!
Johnny you are absolutely a joy to listen to great technique and insight ...keep on rocjkin
interesting info on Vivian, I like his early stuff more also, he had his own playing style then.
There was a nice video out called Guitarkid in which Vivian was featured. There was Japanese subtitling on the bottom. I saw and it has now disappeared. There is still a clip available from it in which he plays Whitesnakes "Give me All Your Love." Vivian was young and showed some great technique. I love his early playing as well. Great video.
Hey man, still coming back to your videos. Hope you are well, definitely one of my favorite music channels. Would love to see some more videos from you!
You yourself are an amazing guitar player. fun to watch you do the Vivian stuff.
I agree with your assessment of Vivian , he had so much fire that first and second album. It's a shame that he lost it. But that's part of growing up and getting older. I know I've changed my playing over the years...
I think it's pretty telling that my two favorite guitars of that era are Vivian and George Lynch both self taught both amazing styles that were distinctive and I remember thinking it's the fact that they were self taught that forced them to create their own thing. I read that same article just before Sacred Heart came out how he was saying he had been doing everything wrong and had totally reworked his style and I was horrified because his style was perfect and uniquely his I don't know who was coaching him at the time because he was still a very young man but someone gave him some bad advice because the first two albums were perfect
I could not have said it better brother.
Damage Dave
Lynch got tired of not really knowing what he was doing and basing everything on shapes
As always, great video. I remember back when I first heard Holy Diver, man I thought to myself this guitarist is just awesome. Amazing how much his style has changed over the years.
I agree totally my friend.... those days Vivian was RoCkN!🎸🎶🎸💥and I’ve always admired the way you play....
I have watched some more recent videos of Vivian in his Last in line band...he still seems to have it and I am glad for that. Thank you for watching!!!!
Enjoyed the video.... great tone and chops
Those first few dio albums are just amazing! Vivian was on during that time! I hate we have not got to see him play with that fire and passion, but that’s mainly due to age and just maybe wanting to focus on life and not just guitar! I remember starting out and thinking this is all I wanna do is play guitar! Things are much different for me in my 40s! Great playing and love your videos! I’d love to see one on Andy Timmons!
Holy Diver is my FAVORITE Dio album....hands down!!!!
I have the video of the last in line tour from the spectrum. I was actually there, it was Vivian's birthday that night. He was only 22 years old. I'm sure he probably was trying to show he could play with some speed. To say later that he wasn't out to be the fastest guitarist later only proves that he grew as a player. Nothing wrong with any of that. Your talking about his live solo with that aria pro, if you listen to the solo to the last in line, it's very melodic with a few bursts of speed. Again nothing wrong with any of it
I will agree with what you said about his visual style , stance etc changing drastically within a very short time I've got the last in line tour as mentioned in 84,and I've got a show from Japan in early 86. It's night and day. He even went from using his custom painted charvels to using just plain looking super strats. For whatever reason, he felt the need to change. I didn't care for it and moved on to other players. I did enjoy Viv with white snake from what little live stuff I could actually hear.
None the less, he was one of my guitar heros growing up, along with George Lynch and Warren Demartini.
Yeah man I was into Viv big time as well. The first 2 albums were definitely full-on shred but Sacred Heart was were I lost interest as well. Randy Rhoads was my guitar guy for sure. Anything with Randy on it - I bought it. Tried my best to play his stuff note for note but man! Definitely a blast from the past! Thanks for sharing! Got a new sub here dude!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it.
Holy shit!!! Mr. White is back!!!
Sick tone and playing brother!!
One of VIv's black 'Les Pauls' from the Dio era was actually a Jackson! There are some pics of it out there, but he definitely played a black Jackson Les Paul copy, in addition to his Charvel's and original Les Pauls.
You get t some serious talent! Much respect!
I didn't know he had had such an impact back then
Great discussion, Johnny! - Craig
He a actually played a Deluxe. Not sure what year but he did say he routed the mini humbuckers to full size humbuckers and painted it black
phil collen uses that sustainer to get the squeals, I wonder if viv was using something hotter under the cover.
Vivs original guitar was a wine red Les Paul deluxe, that he butchered to put humbuckers in (instead of the minis that come factory fitted) and he painted black. He said he originally was saving up for a Les Paul Standard but because it was Belfast in the late 70's it had to be ordered in, when the shop got a Les Paul in and he saw it was a deluxe he just couldn't wait any longer so he took it. He said in a recent interview that he still had that guitar today. Btw I think you're right about the Lynch influence, (who wouldn't want to be influenced by him) although it's sad that he felt the need to change as his own style at the time was awesome. Could you please do a video on another one of my favs the phenomenal John Sykes? Keep up the good work!
He uses that same Les Paul with Last in Line
And the Riverdogs!
@@giftofflesh @
The pickups are swapped out. (again)
I'm totally feeling you on Vivian, man. I LOVED his work on the first 2 Dio records. I actually was listening to Last in Line this past weekend. Like you, I lost interest at the Sacred Heart point. I loved his use of muted runs, pinch harmonics and delay. I guess he didn't even really play on the Whitesnake record? Even though he was in the videos & toured with them? Dunno for sure. I saw him some years ago with Def Leppard & it was a dissapoibtment that Phil Colen most of the leads. Nothing Vivian has done I think can compare to those first 2 Dio records
Love me some world according to Johnny A. and some guitar playing!!! Question: Why all the hype?Answer: Because Mr. Campbell sounded so damn awesome he made the name Vivian cool.
Thank you Johnny A. for always keeping it real!
I graduated in 83 and I was way into Viv the first time I heard Dio. He taught me a lot about soloing. I enjoy your videos, could I ask you what do you use for recording? (Mic, camera, etc..) ?
Thanks for watching. I am using Zoom Q4 cameras. They do 1080i and are geared for musicians. The mic for the voice work is a Rode NT1. I am plugged into a Line 6 HD500X which is outputted to a Mackie ProFX16. I monitor on Event 20/20 bas nearfields. One of the outputs on the console feed a headphone amp which sends out stereo feeds to my cameras.
This I can get into. Great job!
Nice guitar sound. What are you using to get that?
I really enjoy the dynamics of band cohesion and the interesting and enjoyable results we are lucky enough to hear. Who would have thought that Don Dokken and George Lynch hated each other during the recording of "Dysfunctional". I consider that album to be Dokken's best work, and some of George Lynch's best (aside from Lynch Mob) guitar work. Another good example is Tony Iommi's guitar work on "Heaven and Hell" and "Mob Rules". He was definitely inspired by Ronnie and surpassed any works prior to those albums. I wasn't happy when Vivian left DIO and I don't think he's done anything comparable since. I did like the "Sacred Heart" album, but the guitar work sounded like it was done before "Holy Diver", not after "Last in Line".
Nice case Study on Vivian, I too was in awe of Vivian when Holly Diver and Last in Line came out, Vivian had it all the blues with bends, harmonics, muted notes, Holly Diver, Rainbow in the Dark and Last in Line are in my top 10 all time solo list because there was a lot a feel in those solo's. Once He left I was like man he going to do some good stuff, but nothing?! Looks like he got the guys back from Dio so I hope he can start writing like the old dio days and go back to his old young self,
Great playing Johnny
what amp are you using for this video? great video by the way!
Great observation! In hindsight, I can see it too how he changed after Lynch. Also, him saying "I don't give a *%#!$" if I can play faster than Yngwie or not meant that he TOTALLY gave a %$#&!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with an artist changing his style as he explores his craft. Those who stick to the same style forever are either dishonest sell-outs, lazy, or just not creative.
Agreed. However I felt he lost his identity. He veered too far from his center.
So then Stevie Ray Vaughn was a sellout? Buddy Guy? Clapton? Iron Maiden? I could go on.
Well, I think you made a great point. For example, Glenn Tipton and KK Downing made some serious changes coming out of the 70s and going in to the 80s. IMO they, along with Iron Maiden defined the standard for 80s Heavy Metal. If they had known grown their techniques and pushed their abilities beyond their safe zones, they would probably have been left behind and we wouldn't have the other incredible bands they influenced.
Vivian played a standard but it was black also. no pickup covers and the rings were crème.then for last in line he moved to a charvel strat(ugh).
The change in vc's style was also a direct reflection of his frustration with his salary in dio. He brought it up and was shut down and just about the time he brought it up again, according to him, he was let go. He states he did not want to leave the band. I thought marching out was a metal guitarist's masterpiece in a new/different genre when comped to holy dive/lil but I always thought vc's tone and raw sound, especially when soloing, were the top. I am a big fan of early evh's tone and although they are some of my faves, I dont think dio would sound too good with evh's sound or vice-versa. I havent heard anything from any of these guys since the late 80s/90s that appeals to me. I bought a jackson as my 1st higher end guitar based on the "rainbow in the dark" vid.
Love it but found out he used a les Paul in the studio. Kinda fkd up and for another twist, that wasn't a Jackson or charvel in the vid but a cheap no-name from a store down the road from filming the video for "rainbow..."
He wasn't going/supposed to be in the vid or something... but when he found out he wanted to quickly get a guitar for his appearance that day. Lol
when I was in the 5th grade it was 83'. My older sisters boyfriend (now brother in law), drove up one day blaring a song that just stopped me dead in my tracks. It was Mr. Crowley. I walked up to him and I asked him who that was. I had never heard music like that before. My parents played mostly stuff like the Eagles and country etc. so I had no clue. He pulled out his tape case and handed me Ozzy's Blizzard of Oz, Dio's, Holy Diver and Maidens # of the beast. Those three albums changed my life forever. been playing guitar since 83'.. :)
I remember an interview with Yngwie and of course they asked Yngwie about playing too many notes and Yngwie says something like "Vivian Campbell plays way more notes than me" lol
Johnny, check out Vic's latest effort Last in Line a very strong outing and sounds like the Campbell of old. Also, Circus, Hit Parader and star lick cassettes
I think the point is back in the 80's Lynch was influencing almost everyone including pros. A combo of George's gritty style, massive tone, superior melodic phrasing and goose bump producing solos simply demanded attention. IMHO most influences are great for inspiration others can effect us negatively if they go out of the bounds of ones ability. And I don't mean just on a technical level. Attempts to reproduce that whole package is like trying to reinvent yourself. That rabbit hole will have adverse effects that can rob you of your own unique style and skills no matter how bad ass you already are. Again, just my opinion. Now I'm going to crank up Last In Line! Thanks for the channel and great playing.
An amazing time to be a teenage metal fan.
❤
sweet licks mr anderson!!!!
enjoy your videos. loved Vivians palm mute runs, he had a lot of cool techniques that he didnt need to be the fastest player. don't forget about Riverdogs, he had a couple interesting licks on that album, but nothing like early Dio. the entire sacred heart album was a mess not just Vivians playing.
@Jared Justice - totally agree about Riverdogs. Viv's work with them was perfect! That's when Viv got his new rack effects gear and when you listen thru headphones, his tone and textures are simply amazing. I really liked his work with Riverdogs, and man, that Rob Lamoth had such a great voice. -cheers
I spent the late 80s up till late 90s trying to be the fastest I could be .... A freind of mine in a country band showed me like 2-3 little "country" things I liked & I showed him a few things, like how to pinch a harmonic & some hammeron stuff, a Pull up harmonic using the bar ..... He also told me "git you some mids in your sound, youll be able to hear yuouself onstage better" ... Im think Ugh Mids, yuk . But he was right & those things he showed me I never forgot & within a few years I gradually did less speed & more phrasing & scales & focused on clearity a little more ...... Some one day recently I decided to freshen up on my speed type playing , Pluged in Metallica Kill Em All,going to play the the whole album, like I use to .... Forgot lots of it, was playing sloppy, feeling tendons already within the first 3 songs. .... Now I wish I could do all that stuff I did back in the 80s & 90s in addition to the other stuff .... Its true, it ya dont use it- ya lose it. Practice is Crucial, Practice Fast, p[ractice Hard, practice soft, play multiple styles. It only makes you a better player.
I was born in December 85 and grew up with a lot of 80’s music constantly playing from my parents. My mother LOVES Def Leppard and I loathe them.... just can’t stand them. One day I pulled out my dads records and listened to Holy Diver. I went on and on how awesome it was, finally my dad told me “you know Def Leppard’s guitarist is the guy on that record right?” I was so let down. To a early teenager that was just earth shattering.
killer tone what amp / effects you rocking ?
gosh I remember stealing holy diver and the last in line from a dept store called caldor's in new york. and just falling in love with vivian's guitar style. I absolutely loved his the sacred heart solo from the Intermission live album.
If you are going to steal something you might as well make it worth your while. It is a great album and it had a huge impact on me and my musical direction.
Vivian C is wayyyy underrated. Same reason I got the Dio albums because of his solos. Dio went a little towards the glam rock stage .. That’s why Vivian changed. See him today tho?? He’s still nasty and plays his solos excellent. Number 1 in my book.
Vivian has always been my favorite player.... more for his choice of notes than speed. The solo for the song Last in Line is one of my favorites. The first band he was in before Dio was called Sweet Savage. After Dio, he played on some of Lou Gramm's solo albums then played in a band with Lou called Shadow King. That was after the Whitesnake gig... I believe. After was Trinity... not sure If he ever released material with that band... then the Riverdogs. The solo on Big House is awesome!!! Then came the Def Leppard days and now Last In Line! Vivian's instructional video was my bible and that got me into Gary Moore and John Sykes... He is still my all time favorite player!
I totally agree with your comments about Viv and how he changed in the mid 80s. Plus the issues within Dio and then some "poor" band choices didnt do him justice. Holy Diver is truely his Everest🤘🎸
4.15 that solo bit from the live show...and what you said about the Gary Moore licks, also the staccatto / legato bit, very true.
You got that Viv pick attack, in places you really nailed it But best pass on the Yngwie impressions;) Agreed he was one of the best about at the time. thanks
Thank you so very much for watching. I appreciate your thoughts. I was a HUGE Vivian fan early on...the artificial harmonics were perfect.
Got me thinking deeper about my own playing, about using legato MORE rather than thinking I 'should' do the machine- gun right hand all the time.
Viv Campbell Jake E Lee Chris Oliva Dave Chastian Joshua Periah all very strong influences for me. Thanks Again!
How to get such a great guitar sound you have in the video? What gear do you use?
Excellent video. A great study of Viv's playing through his career. I've been a fan of Viv and Lynch since the early 80s, when I first heard Viv with Dio and Lynch with Dokken. I agree that Viv's style was more interesting on the first two albums. Sacred Heart is completely unremarkable. It's an album that sounds like it was produced in a broom closet.
Awesome riffs!
Johnny, you didnt cover the Riverdogs era of Vivian. Holy Diver was my favorite 80's album but the guitar playing on the Riverdogs was insane. A must for all fans of Vivian.
I am unfamiliar with that project but I really appreciate the knowledge. I will check it out. Vintage Vivian is superb!
Check out Viv playing with his first band in belfast..Sweet Savage
vivian played a custom one of Charvel Les Paul, I think it was Dio and him fighting about how he should play that pissed him off not any other player ,then he got fired
great video,,Vivian kills it in DIO...
Vivian Campbell
Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
The year 1983 should go down in history as the period when the new age of shred officially began, and Vivian Campbell deserves recognition for helping to kick-start this trend. No one knew who Campbell was when he joined Dio, but after they heard this blistering, thousand-notes-a-second solo they had to find out more.
Fantastic Johnny! Interesting that you didn't mention the incredible early stuff that Campbell did on the Sweet Savage demo from '81. He incinerated the fretboard on Queen's Vengeance. Other tracks were great as well. I think they could have been another monster NWOBHM band if they had been able release the first album if Viv had not been picked up by Dio. I've wondered what Campbell has thought of the Sweet Savage reformed band that did some of the original works in a new release called Regeneration from 2011. I haven't heard it yet. Keep shredding brother!