“Gary Moore Was My Ultimate Guitar Hero” | Vivian Campbell on Solos, Writing & Last In Line

[@sweetwater]

Which musicians - guitarists or otherwise - have had the biggest influences on your playing? Tell us in the comments below, and don’t forget to stop by Sweetwater for anything you might need to continue your guitar journey 👉 Sweetwater.sjv.io/Guitars

[@James-ou9hc]

David Gilmore

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

As far as guitar, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton and Peter Frampton. As for bass, John Entwistle, Geezer Butler and Billy Sheehan.

[@Alaskastratcat]

Larry Carlton,Robben Ford. Gary Moore.

[@SolaChristus]

Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, John Petrucci

[@RockinExperience]

Alex Lifeson, Reb Beach, Mick Mars, Michael Angelo Batio, Richard Williams, Steve Howe, Ernie C, Piggy, and most definitely Vivian Campbell. Such a great guy. Met him like 15 times. He signed my vinyl copy of Jerhico twice!

[@mlrrock1]

Gary Moore , total monster on all styles of guitar. Top five of all time and my favorite. Total passion and incredible talent. 🎼💥

[@andrewthacker9388]

Didn’t he just 🙏😌🙏

[@saigonKT]

❤

[@Edmond347]

Gary is criminally underrated by the music industry and critics. Blows my mind that he's missing from top guitarists lists. One listen you never the same. The passion, feeling, melody, emotion - nobody has Gary's combination.

[@ericlopez9640]

Vivian Campbell is such a class act. One of my heroes.

[@michelejp69]

Vivian is my favourite guitarist of all time, he's inspired me to take up the guitar, at almost 55! ❤

[@DavidRodriguez-mp9nh]

Out in the fields is my introduction to Gary Moore as a young teen in a small American town who just got cable and MTV in the very early 80s. Changed me forever. Such a powerful track with Phil Lynott. Still gives me chills as I read the lyrics. Vivian is also a legend. Blessings to you all!

[@connyjohnson855]

Vivian is such a humble and down to earth person and one of my absolute guitar heroes ever since I heard the Holy Diver record when it came out. He's a major influence on my own guitar playing and owe him so much for the joy of all the moments I've listened to his solos over and over again.

[@saigonKT]

I love that he mentioned Gary Moore as his true guitar hero. Just like most of us.

[@garo306]

Gary Moore is truly a legend, one of the best of all time. He was taken too early from us.

[@pettereriksson9440]

Actually, a guy called Vivian Campbell is probably the main reason i play guitar the way i do... Saw him live in 85 with Dio. Changed everything. Or rather, made me start playing the way i was supposed to. Thank you for that.

[@abhulineokonofua8677]

Vivian Campbell is one of my favourite Musician of all time. Since 1992 when he joined Def Leppard when I was in the 15 years old. He a great legend 😍😍🙏🏿🙏🏿. God Bless Vivian.

[@andrewthacker9388]

Gary Moore, he had such a presence, he was always in the moment in his style, you can hear it on the Scars album “ who knows what tomorrow will bring” that solo, ya feel every note, it’s sublime. Thank you Mr Campbell.🙏😌🙏

[@cymro6537]

Great interview - what a nice guy! Agreed, Gary Moore was the best all round guitarist . Ever

[@seanmcgoldrick4870]

Gary moore. My hero. GOAT without compare.

[@patzguitarz]

Rory and Gary were awesome. Intense playing is a good description. Holy Diver was one of the first cassette tapes I bought back in the day!

[@dreamscuba]

Great interview Nick. I love Vivian Campbell. And Gary Moore is my ultimate guitar hero.

[@saigonKT]

Ditto.

[@afternoonshred4866]

This guy, for me. I met him in a music store in Toronto during the last in line tour. He signed my ticket stub did a cigarette truck in front of me, and wished me well. The first and only rock star I’ve ever met. When I heard Rsinbow in the dark, I was 18, I became an instant Vivian fan. Still, to this day he’s still (to me) along with John Sykes one of the greatest guitarist.

[@nathankrstonich9658]

Just love Viv. A truly humble and just a guy you’d want to hang out with a talk music. And man, he’s such a great guitarist and performer.

[@princewarior2554]

You 2 are my greatest Guitar Heroes 🙏🏼👍🏼 Garry More & Vivian Campbell 🤩🤘🏼

[@shanerose5348]

Thank you, Nick. This guy is legendary. Love his take on improv vs structure. One of the reasons I started playing.❤

[@stevekonbass]

Great guitarist. Love all his Dio work.

[@JCM800man]

Great Interview Nick Bowcott and Great Answers to the questions Vivian Campbell! Gary Moore & John Sykes are two of my Favorite Guitar Players as well as yourself Vivian... and it just so happens that you all at one point played with one of my Favorite Bands Thin Lizzy. Your work with Dio was very influential on me Vivian and you continue to amaze me with what you bring to the Band Last In Line ... I am still Mesmerized by the way you attack and squeeze everything out of each note... Gary Moore would be Proud!

[@mojomann67]

Great chat from two legends of the NWOBH era! Have always loved Viv's playing and both him and Nick are fun to hear together.

[@realmarixstone]

Love me some Gary Moore and miss hime so much. And I'm not surprised at all that Gary was Vivian's ultimate guitar hero. Rip Gary

[@moegsi]

30.11.1983: my first concert was Michael Schenker/Iron Maiden. My Second concert was 1984 Queensryche/DIO in Munich. Since that days, Michael and Vivian are my Idols!

[@klausengelhardt3974]

Viv you are amazing love everything you do. I love hearing you talk about Rory and Gary. They both had such a huge influence on me.

[@hod8931]

Yep one of my favorites. Page, Iommi, Rhoads, Jabbs, lynch, Moore and Hendrix too

[@dirface]

Beautiful! Viv's stuff is nothing but legendary!

[@etrhythm]

V.Campbell is one of my all time favs...Heavy right hand rules

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

I love that the great Nick Bowcott is a regular on KZbin. As far as my influences, Edward Van Halen was first and foremost to me (as he was millions and millions of others). Other significant influences on my playing are Slash, Angus Young, Pete Townshend and James Hetfield.

[@zim1970]

Gary moore was such a great player, still so underated

[@jkaznosky]

What a humble guy and a fantastic player.

[@guitarhappygilmamamore9840]

Viv is an epic guitar player and a great person.

[@guitarjunkie7124]

Gary Moore and John Sykes were my biggest influences

[@briancanada4850]

Victims of the future and corridor of power are some of the first songs that made me learn how to play

[@petealvarez1476]

This guy is such a class act and one of my top three guitar heroes. I could never thank my wife enough for getting me the last in line experience. Which allowed me to jam, “don’t talk to strangers” with the band during their sound check. 🤘🤘

[@whatcher8151]

funny Viv said, " As long as you was your hands!". Reason I bring this up, I seen "Last In Line" 'with him on guitar from the front and the stage was 6 inches up. The singer, bass player etc. all were personable, high fives, open, shaking hands, but Viv stayed back and away. I know he was on cancer treatment and his immunity might have been low. But now it seems he is working out, taking better care of himself but still carries the clean stigma. Best to ya Viv. By the way, their words are positive, that album is epic. I love it. Thanks to Vinny for making Viv push the musical harder envelope. I love you Vinny, keep reading "That Book". Vinny, on another interview you was asked what "Jericho" meant. You said "I don't know I just play the music". Heh, heck if you don't know, but "A picture is a thousand musical notes isn't it". I seen you guys in Columbus and Cincy. And you ran out of the Tee Shirt I needed. Your ole lady got tired of ppl fast. Don't blame her. Andy, thank you, thank you, keep that inner Spirit alive, He is the teacher of all good.

[@adamwuksta3255]

Nice to hear viv speak about his career, seems like a great guy

[@James-ou9hc]

It’s great to know who your heroes heroes are. 9 times out of 10 they’re your heroes too.

[@maxmenius9839]

What's so amazing to me is that "Rainbow in the Dark", in my opinion, is the single greatest heavy metal guitar solo in history. Absolutely perfect for the song and so freaking original. Vivian was on fire and put the ultimate icing on the cake with that solo. Epic in every way, and incorporated many high level technical elements.

[@Diggerdog2nd]

I can't believe that I didn't know the Last in Line recorded new music. I've always assumed that they just tour the old stuff when Viv's on a break from Leppard. I saw Dio live 3 times in 84 & 85 & if Viv's new music is like that I'm going to get all of it.

[@yinoveryang4246]

5:44 "The way they play like that, is because they barely touch the strings" that was it, that was the great trick. You've got to credit Vivian Campbell, naturally he's an honest man. He always tries to be as diplomatic as possible, and tries to say the "harder" things pleasantly.

[@zaclampson6088]

Viv is my favorite guitar player- Love that he called out @paulgilbertrock for his immense talent. So many great guitarists and styles to pull from.

[@PaulHurleyGuitar]

Great interview! Thankful we have a band like Last In Line putting out albums!

[@markbeavers5747]

One of my friends had a Randall half stack signed by Vivian on it's rattle snake cover. He sold it to me and I played it for several years and gave it back to my friend because he was moving away as a token of my appreciation. Fun times!!

[@thomastucker5686]

I tried to meet Vivian during a LIL concert but he escaped the room too quickly. He is my favorite guitar player. I think Vinnie is amazing. I would love to get into a studio with Vivian, my studio preferably.

[@bobomud]

Very interesting interview! Got to love Viv! And Gary!

[@davidmatela9868]

His playing on The Holy Diver Album is epic!!! When that album came out in the 80’s us Metal Heads wore it out

[@kamaboko1]

Solid interview. Thanks.

[@billleger1936]

When I was teenager I wanted nothing more than to play guitar like Vivian Campbell. Now as an adult I want nothing more than to be as humble, open and honest a human being as Vivian Campbell.

[@meyou9176]

Too bad he can't play guitar anymore like he did in Dio

[@crazywisdom2]

I have always been a fan of Viv. Loved what he did with dio, and def. leppard. Love his style of guitar. Def. a fan of guitar players that put emotion into what they play. He's on my must see list.

[@Sourgiesel]

I love how he talks about wanting to sound like Paul Gilbert and Paul Gilbert did that instrumental holy diver album. That is amazing. VIVIAN IS THE MAN!!!

[@brentwhite9712]

Viv has played some utterly gorgeous solos on the last few Leppard albums. If you haven’t heard them, look them up, incredibly classy stuff.

[@jamesmoore4320]

Viv is a class act and a legendary guitar player

[@seankevinlynch6513]

Great insight into Viv's playing and writing. Thanks.

[@eddiemuniz761]

Seeing Dio at the Beacon theatre in New York on the holy diver tour in 1983 was an experience to savor Ronnie just commanded the stage with his mini mike stand and A.K.G. microphone singing Rainbow and Black Sabbath songs !!!!!!!!!!

[@DecayingWings]

Nice interview. Vivian rocks! I think he lands on D note as the last note of the Holy Diver solo. That would be the 9th of C minor (the long D note comes on top of C5 chord)

[@justhere7258]

First saw Gary Moore for Corridors of Power in Detroit... Blew.me.away. and Vivs Rainbow in the Dark solo one of my all time favs

[@WilliamdeSouzaSantos-kv9pc]

Great Guitarrist Irelan . My faverite Dio's Band !

[@Johnsormani]

Nobody seems to mention Vivian’s work for the Riverdogs . Great stuff

[@cliffbarber6058]

Vivian Campbell one of the greats in a long line of great Irish Guitarists. and the man is a cancer survivor .

[@meyou9176]

He used to be great in Dio not def leppard

[@markbirchette8740]

Yeah, I first saw Viv on the Holy Diver tour, Last In Line and Sacred Heart. The band with Lou Gramm was brilliant! Shadow Kings!

[@syfman6]

Akira Takasaki and William J Tsamis. Huge influence on my playing...💚🎸

[@andrewsun4385]

Awesome!!!🌟🌟💯💯

[@4dmind]

Viv is one of my influences for sure. I agree to composing solos. I've done some incredible single take solos, but the problem is that it is far harder to memorize them later. If you spend the time, you'll create more impact too. You'll still improvise the composed solo in practicing it thousands of times with the band, and usually that process will cause other improvements to happen organically - phrasing improvements, timing, technique etc.

[@Oliver-vt8pv]

gary moore has to be the greatest guitarist of all time, no one could play as good as gary

[@klausengelhardt3974]

​@2216sammy everyone has their own opinion and favourite players.

[@andrewbecker3700]

Nick has the best job.

[@TheLoner70503]

If a new guitarist starts by learning Gary Moore's guitar solos and style, you can be sure that he will be a great guitarist.

[@knightfall9394]

just as long as they ignore the blues side and focus on what he did throughout the 70s and 80s

[@harryesteves387]

@@knightfall9394completely wrong!

[@ScottHatfield-bc7jh]

@@knightfall9394Gary was a kickass player regardless of whatever genre he chose to dabble in.

[@joeallegra556]

I love Jericho by LIL! I believe it's their best effort. Some of Vivian's finest guitar work. Enjoy it so much more than Def Leppard. It's hard to believe it was recorded in such a way. With limited funds and time. Works for me. Great record guy's!

[@jake.e.wanabee5333]

Jake.E.Lee & Gary Holt (Exodus) & Vivian Campbell in Dio and Last in Line.

[@bigdave1302]

Eric Bell was the original guitar player in Lizzy, not Robertson and Gorham.

[@cc_1983]

Another legend from Belfast Rainbow in the dark is a peach!

[@zatoichiable]

Gary Moore is the most melodic guitar player ever heard. Parisienne walkway everyone?

[@DieNetaDie]

Gary More could play anything

[@chrisroy7222]

Love Viv!

[@geezberry8889]

monster player back in the day . king of palm muting solos

[@georgeluna2476]

Like Viv. Gary Moore!

[@guillotinedeath]

Nick from GRIM REAPER!

[@eddiemuniz761]

Did Claude Schnell write the music and lyrics to Hungry for heaven from the sacred heart album and was included on a soundtrack album?????

[@briancanada4850]

Vivian ..Rory gallagher Randy Rhoads Gary Moore are my biggest influences

[@johnlynott8749]

très intéressant!!!👍👍

[@markpaulferreira9373]

Tony Iommi, Ace Frehley, Michael Schenker and Richie Blackmore. For me personally, Tony always has the heaviest rhythm style that moves something inside me. Ace Frehley writes the most quirky and fitting leads. His tone sounds like an angry honey badger growling to my ear, all vicious, yet warm. I also enjoy Michel Schenker for his clear and cutting lead tone and melodic playing. Richie just pushed the envelope by adding a classical element that makes his music sound grand and raucous at the same time. He is probably my ultimate guitar hero for his virtuosity and inovation. The ultimate guitar player to me however is still the great Gary Moore, who I just listen to in wonder.

[@stevesoufi]

He's cool

[@meyou9176]

But sucks on guitar now

[@jamesjames2070]

V c looks great

[@arthurmurfitt7698]

After beating cancer Viv is staying in the best shape he can.

[@waynegram8907]

What amplifier did he get custom made to be in thin lizzy?

[@BramEngelenMusic]

Mojave Scorpion 50 head with a matching 4x12 ;)

[@WakaWakawaka-qt8di]

Hero

[@PulverizerA]

Gary Moore was everyone's guitar hero.

[@ahsistermojo]

I started playing guitar because of Steve Clark. Def Leppard have never been the same 😢

[@lastrolo1517]

The real deal (although with due with respect, I strongly expect Viv does, indeed, know what a minor 3rd is. I know what it is a home player with operating brain cells!) That aside, legends. Thank you. ❤

[@peternovak8627]

Dont Forget Riverdogs 🙂👍

[@Johnsormani]

Exactly, since thirty years or so

[@eddiemuniz761]

Did Sweet Savage ever record a full length album?????

[@jnorthrop70]

Bowcott coming out of that porta-John…what a way to start a video. Ick.

[@SuperLuckao]

So youthful still

[@keithlawrence5294]

Last in line devil in me Gary Moore Military Man Dio Rainbow in the Dark Rory Gallagher Secret Agent Tommy Bolin Teaser respect to Viv and rip Ronnie, Jimmy, Phil, Gary, Rory, Tommy loved Last in Line for years from Keith Lawrence of New Zealand

[@richardperusse4299]

about the fact Vivian told G.Moore was his hero , we know since the 80's , he made when he was with Dio so much same licks than Gary ....

[@bluerfoot]

He likes the 2 original Lizzy guitarists who were not the original guitarist.

[@MayweatherjrWONandsoTrump]

Guitar God. Def Leppard is nothing to me but a pop band. I would only pay just to watch Rick Allen and re watch Vivian Campbell a third time (Watched him with Dio 2X)

[@ROOKTABULA]

I think you misread Viv when you said "Oh that's nice" when Gorham called Elliot to see if _he'd_ allow Viv to do what he wanted without "permission", as a grown man and artist.

[@nisseht]

Def Leppard in 1982 is that a typo?

[@billyramone100]

Nick will chuck you to death and Viv will finesse you to death. Both awesome axemen !

[@PedrSion]

Gazza is the best of all time.

[@medleydeluxe5298]

1983 donnington everyone was shouting turn up the guitar, nobody could hear him.