Def Leppard Kicks Off 2025 Without Vivian Campbell, Guitar Tech Steps In

Def Leppard launched their first concert of the year on Saturday, January 18th, at Feria Estatal De León in León, Mexico, but did so without their longtime guitarist, Vivian Campbell. Filling in for Campbell was Phil Collen’s trusted guitar tech, John Zocco, who stepped up to join the legendary rockers on stage.

Frontman Joe Elliott addressed the crowd during the performance, explaining Campbell’s absence. Vivian was unable to be there as he continues his cancer treatment.

This isn’t the first time Zocco has been called up to replace Campbell. Back in October, Campbell also missed a private show in Nashville during the Daimler Truck Customer Appreciation Event, with Zocco stepping in to handle guitar duties for that performance as well.

Despite the lineup adjustment, Def Leppard delivered a powerful set. Meanwhile, the rock community continues to rally behind Campbell as he focuses on his health.

Alex Lifeson Talks Jamming with Geddy Lee, Rules Out Rush Reunion Without Neal Peart

Rush fans may take comfort in knowing that guitarist Alex Lifeson still regularly jams with former bandmate Geddy Lee, but in a recent interview, Lifeson made it clear there’s no plan for the iconic band to formally reunite. The absence of legendary drummer Neal Peart, who passed away in 2020, remains the defining reason.

A Rush reunion came up, and Lifeson recalled the special guest appearance at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute show: “The energy was fantastic around that show, I know, and some days I wake up wanting to go out and tour again and some days I don’t. For forty years Rush included Neil, and I don’t think putting some new version together would have the same magic.” The bond between the three musicians ran deeper than music, and Lifeson emphasized that Rush without Peart simply wouldn’t feel like Rush.

While a full reunion is off the table, Lifeson and Lee have shared the stage since Peart’s passing for two meaningful events. Last year, they honored their late friend Gordon Lightfoot at a tribute concert, and in 2022, they reunited for a pair of unforgettable shows paying tribute to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.

Though a formal Rush comeback seems unlikely, Lifeson and Lee’s continued collaborations offer a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see their musical chemistry in action—even if it’s in a more informal setting. For now, their jam sessions and sporadic appearances stand as a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of both Rush and their irreplaceable bandmate, Neal Peart.

Gene Simmons Expands Spring Tour with the Gene Simmons Band

KISS co-founder and rock icon Gene Simmons is gearing up to hit the road this spring with his Gene Simmons Band—and the tour just got even bigger. Simmons has added new stops in Northfield, OH, Uncasville, CT, and Temecula, CA, to the growing list of dates on the trek.

The tour will kick off at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA, and will feature stops across the U.S. and Canada. As of now, Simmons and his band are set to perform in California, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Ohio, Ontario, Indiana, Illinois, and will wrap things up with three shows in Texas.

ONE OK ROCK Drops New Single “Puppets Can’t Control You,” Announces Release Date for DETOX

Fueled By Ramen rockers ONE OK ROCK have unleashed their latest track, “Puppets Can’t Control You,” now streaming on all major platforms. The powerful new single made its exclusive debut during the premiere episode of the nationally televised Japanese drama Mikami Sensei, creating major buzz just ahead of its digital release.

The track is a preview of what’s to come on the band’s highly anticipated 11th studio album, DETOX, set to drop worldwide on February 21. Featuring an impressive lineup of producers, including multiple GRAMMY winner Rob Cavallo (Linkin Park, Green Day, My Chemical Romance) and GRAMMY nominees Dan Lancaster and Pete Nappi, DETOX promises to deliver the next chapter in ONE OK ROCK’s evolution.

The album arrives at a special time for the band as they prepare to celebrate their 20th anniversary next year, cementing their legacy as one of Japan’s most enduring and globally acclaimed rock acts.