Vivian Campbell opens up about being fired from Dio

[@earlleegrace3318]

I was front row for a show when Dokken was opening for Dio. Vivian threw several picks to me but they kept getting snatched away by taller fans. After the encore and final bow, he ran over, stepped down onto a barricade support and firmly pressed his last pick into my hand, gave me a good natured smack across the head then a huge grin and thumbs up. Since then I've always known he was a good dude who cared.

[@joeblough261]

That's fuckin awesome. I saw Slaughter at a small club called Mabel's in Champaign-Urbana circa 1994. Guitar player threw about 10 picks out and I kept getting fucked. He concentrated to throw it right at my head and I thought I grabbed it but it disappeared...then it magically appeared in between my two fingers, a 1 in 1,000 shot. LOL

[@joeblough261]

@Gordon Fuck! Yes, I was just reading about that a few months ago,that whole crazy story, but I didn't connect it to the pick story. I'mma hit the drawer where I have a little Ziploc with a few special picks and see if it has his name on it. When I come back I have another story, a funny one re: Slaughter backstage pass.

[@joeblough261]

@Gordon Damn Gordon...It's a D'addario Tim Kelly 1995 "Fear No Evil" guitar pick. It's especially weird because like I said, I just read about his death a few months ago and didn't even think about the pick. He appreciated how hard I was rocking that night and tried so many times to get me a pick and finally I got it. I also got permanent ear damage from that show, it was SO loud my right ear has never been quite the same, lol. They rang for 3 days after. Cool shit, thx for your story and for clueing me in on my own!

[@joeblough261]

@Gordon Really? That's pretty shitty. WTF. I got on this whole thing tonight because of Vivian C., and I learned tonight how Dio's ex wife Yoko Ono'd everyone and was why Viv got canned. Also shitty, but at least it all worked out for him. Theb I just searched for "Slaughter Mabel's Champaign 1995" and the 3rd or 4th Google entry was for Dio!? I think for a 1997 show there. Weird coincidence.

[@babylouise3795]

@Gordon Tim Kelley was his name

[@predicehendricks3367]

Dio's best albums were done with Vivian Campbell!

[@paulsecon4889]

Predice Hendricks Something about the first four albums of major groups. Success hits, dope shows up now you don’t wanna deliver. Over and over. Dio never did get the magic back in HIS band. Thank god for Heaven+Hell I guess.

[@RockingBro_Frank]

Predice Hendricks totally... the band went downhill after them

[@countrycottagelife4184]

AMEN.

[@truebuldog]

Dio's best albums were done with Rainbow and Sabbath. Only Dios first album was good the rest were the same old thing rehashed for people that never heard his old stuff!

[@truebuldog]

@Randy Porter looks like rather than make your point you'd rather argue.Thats fine too. I'll reply once and not waste my time with you anymore. I've been a Dio fan since Elf and own an Elf Album. So I think I know his best work as much as anyone. You sounded like a Dio fanboy that got his pink panties ruffled because you don't like what I said. The truth is Dios best work was with other bands. His first album rocked . Anything after that was pure plagiarizing his old work. I couldn't even listen to it!! I could tell you where every riff from every song came from previous albums. I left it to newbie fans that didn't know any better. I guess that is you!!

[@dwill1970]

Wendy Dio -Sharon Osbourne the same scenario never get your wife involved in your music business

[@Sarklord]

it is called the "yoko ono effect"

[@mindmesh7566]

Yoko was never that bad. She was a whiny noisy screechy ding bat though.

[@nickielee3353]

It's always a woman!

[@blaineedwards8078]

The power of the pussy. Wars have been fought and history made over just what pussy can make a man do

[@DokktorDeth]

Blackmore was right about her.

[@Maxx61]

Rock and roll wives have broken up more bands than old age.

[@mikeraia2605]

I can vouch for that

[@TheMetalVagabond]

supposedly Queensryche for example, Billy Joel too but he got screwed out of a ton of money

[@rickleblanc8900]

@@TheMetalVagabond Billy Joel got screwed by his manager for 90 million bucks, i believe.

[@warrenginmartini]

Check out her mama before you say: "I do". - Johnny Winter

[@dennisneo1608]

Bitches being bitches!!

[@dennisapplegate7553]

Never ever trust someone's word on money down the road GET IT IN WRITING

[@pheleant]

Words to live by.

[@2204JCM]

Yeah, but Vivian isn’t a lawyer -he’s a musician that took Ronnie at his word...

[@dennisapplegate7553]

@@2204JCM and that's why we (musicians ) need people like Irving Azoff the best manger in the business you have to have someone that looks out for you ,be it band leader or record company you have to protect your material and yourself

[@jonlegg7912]

Agree however viv was 19 when he joined the band so was probably not very smart business wise.

[@MikeJones-oe3do]

Dennis Applegate Yep, and never pay rent with cash.

[@davidg1612]

Viv was the best overall guitarist in Dio's history, hands down, and by far the most creative.

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

No question in my mind at all.

[@southwest5388]

Including Richie Blackmore? I think not!

[@swinetrek]

Rubbish. Aldrich and Goldy were far better ( and I don't really like Goldy)

[@lorenrohrich2131]

That's a pretty bold statement but Holy Diver is one of my favorite albums no doubt I don't think I've ever heard a more evil sounding tone it really blew our minds.

[@davehorton9922]

some of the solos on" holy diver" are so incredible , I was confused and saddened when he left, and also, I loved dio, whitesnake i saw at texxas jam 1987 , but to see him mainly play rhythm behind Phil colleen of Dec leppard at a time when they just totally sold out...i saw him in a video and thought to myself...." Phil colleen never has been near the level of vivian , and i bet he isn't happy except maybe the money?"

[@picklemonkeyman]

Sounds like Sharon Osbourne and Wendy Dio are too greedy peas in a pod

[@christschinwon]

@Allen Albright she helped him so she could retire!

[@christschinwon]

@Allen Albright she wanted to get in his pants too. He was still married when they got together. I'm not saying she doesn't feel human emotions but things figure with the facts

[@Olwehn]

That was exactly my initial thought as well

[@minkorrh]

If I was Ozzy Osbourne I'd be banging every groupie I could get my hands on just to make sure I didn't want it until the next tour. Ugh.

[@robvoyles]

Sounds like ozzy and dio were weaklings as well.

[@freepressright]

Campbell, Bain and Appice were Dio, as much as Ronnie. The magic of those first three albums had everything to do with the total package and the chemistry of those players. Vivian's guitar sound and style was integral. The Dio band was a mere shadow of itself without him. He was a great player with a distinct style. While I will always love RJD, he was wrong in letting Vivian go and not continuing on with the original lineup.

[@rodrigopinheiroP]

And Claude! Claude forever all

[@NeilAloha]

Then why didn’t Vic go make his own band and call it Vic Cambell band? Because he was just a guitar player and there’s a lot of those but only 1 Dio

[@freepressright]

@@NeilAloha maybe it has something to do with the fact that his name isn't "Vic" Campbell. 💁‍♂️

[@josearalat]

Vivian was a mayor part of that band and those records and I'm really glad he got his money somewhere else (Def Leppard).

[@markusorth5450]

And Whitesnake. Can you imagine how much more pussy dude got in WS?

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

And Thin Lizzy.

[@josearalat]

@BIG HORN MGTOW That wasn't my point but I agree on the Pete Willis comment.

[@stevenwargin5887]

@BIG HORN MGTOW Def Leppard are stand up dudes. Even gave him credits on pyromania.

[@SteveReaves]

I'm glad Viv would find respect as a guitarist in Def Leppard! Awesome player!

[@DMDvideo10]

This is really about an experienced veteran musician talking advantage of a younger less experienced musician. Get a contract, get it in writing, take your share of the songwriting credits...

[@michaeldoyle7714]

Almost (40) years later and Mr. Campbell, the real metal heads know, they have never heard any ax slinging any better than your work with Dio. To this day, your solos on those first (3) albums BLOW OUR MINDS!! Thank you man and All the Best.

[@rickschroeder3127]

The only non Vivian Campbell era album that stands with the likes of Holy Diver, and Last in Line, is Magica.

[@nimaakhtarkhavari8766]

When the story starts with "we're gonna make money later", it can't have a good ending. But Viv was young and eager to be successful, shame on Ronnie...

[@kevfreeman5482]

Yeah shame on him, especially since he did so much bitchin about Blackmore!!

[@TheCjbowman]

Vivian is such a great player, as well as a good person! Loved Holy Diver when it first came out... Not a bad song on the album - Stands up well even today.😎

[@dannymcmince]

Totally agree, what an album with a young Vivian on guitar!

[@macadoo2530]

'Gypsy' opening riff? Fuggataboutit! Still smokin' all these years later. Viv helped make Diver the killer album it was no doubt.

[@dannymcmince]

@@macadoo2530 happy days!

[@davehorton9922]

One of the most melodic metal players in history! my band played several from diver, and last in line....vinnys awesome snare "throttling" and Jimmy and vivian? a sight to behold live !

[@davidtimms3201]

Vivian Campbell was by far the best guitarist Dio had. He was a major key in the success of that band. I saw Dio on all three tours Viv was with the group. He is such an electrifying performer. God bless you Vivian.

[@wjatube]

Randy Rhodes admitted shortly before he died that he was performing his last tour with Ozzy for the same reason. He realized he was being screwed-over and his brilliance was a large-part of what saved Ozzy as he launched his solo band.

[@jadedheartsz]

yeah he was talking about wanting to quit performing altogether for a while after that so he could go back to school and get his masters and do classical music as he was getting burned out on touring and the whole heavy metal scene in general.

[@shawncoito1498]

When it's your name on the records you can do want you want. No matter how great Randy or Vivian were,they are hired hands. Instead of being negative be grateful for exposure that was given to you.

[@okigi-wo5zm]

​@@shawncoito1498You have to pay for talent. He should have got it in writing or leave the band if he was being underpaid.

[@danpolseno9728]

I'm glad that Tony iommi has remained the leader of black Sabbath. And it doesn't matter that he doesn't sing. Him and Geezer came up with the Riffs that made Ozzy famous

[@imarriedabrkfsttaco3737]

Randy Rhoads,a "hired hand"? Hahahaaa!

[@ianparrish6543]

It's sad to know how badly Vivian was screwed over by Dio and his power queen of a wife. He is such a brilliant guitar player and writer and I'm happy he finally gets respect in Def Leppard. His music and playing will always be legendary. Rock on Vivian !!!!

[@lawrencegambrell4293]

I stopped listening to Def Leppard after the 2nd album. They became a POP band on Pyromania. I was soooo annoyed when a great talent like Vivian joined Leppard. Glad that he is back playing real music.

[@Gregbaltzer]

There's two sides to every story though "Wendy stated about the controversy surrounding Ronnie‘s relationship with Campbell: “[Vivian] always said that he hated all the albums that he played on with Ronnie, and that was very hurtful to Ronnie. Very hurtful. Would you like someone who said something like that about your albums? He said a lot of things in the press that I don’t wanna get into, because it really wasn’t Ronnie‘s feud at all. Ronnie didn’t fire him. I fired [Vivian]. He wanted as much money as Ronnie wanted. He thought he was as important as Ronnie was, and that was just wrong. But I don’t wanna get into that. It’s water under the bridge. It doesn’t matter.”

[@bannsidereddie]

Ian,have you ever listened to Vivian's album Two Sides Of If?You really get to appreciate how good the man is,blues based and fcukin' brilliant

[@johnNYjets12]

Does he truly get respect from Phil Collen though? I'm not sure.

[@ianparrish6543]

@@johnNYjets12 I think so? Whether Phil likes to share the solo duties on stage , i doubt it ? Saw them in Toronto on their last tour and Vivian looked pretty comfortable and i'm glad for him. We'll see what the future holds.

[@mr.d.572]

I hate hearing stories like this, of grave injustice done to key band members. It reminds me of the ugliness of some of my own work and family situations.

[@garyunsworth726]

I hate it too, it's very much like the original Blizzard of Oz band Lee Kerslake and Bob Daisley were done up like kippers which I fucking hate, Ozzy is much to blame as his fucking wife to treat these fine men like this, for that as much as I love Ozzy and Ronnie they didn't have the balls to stand up to their stupid wives, I also believe if Randy hadn't died the same would have happened to him. Back to DIO the band, the original line up are all DIO and always will be, I hate this sort shit that happens to brilliant musicians and good blokes

[@mr.d.572]

@@garyunsworth726 Agreed, and don't forget how badly Ozzy and his wife treated Jake E. Lee! He got incredibly shafted by them. Really awful, horrendous stuff they pulled on him after all the great work he did for them.

[@somewhatsomething4882]

@@garyunsworth726 RJD was a textbook case of "small man syndrome".

[@speedking7224]

@@mr.d.572 forget about him don costa got slagged off so hard by ozzy go check it up jake himself narrates the incident

[@realdealio1]

$100 a week to write some of the best metal songs ever written.. would piss anyone off, for sure.

[@G.TZ77]

Most of the "material" was written from Ronnie.. And it wasn't $100 a week. It was more. And he had nothing to pay for the band.

[@realdealio1]

@@G.TZ77 Ronnie didnt play guitar

[@G.TZ77]

@@realdealio1 He was the bassist at Elf. A bassist knows how to play guitar unprofessionally. Also he played piano. A musician has many ways to write a good idea for riff and then give it to the guitar player. Many singers, sing the ideas for riffs to the guitar player. And that is enough to made them composers!!! How old are you?? Why I have to explain to you all these?? These are very well known things!!

[@albundy7623]

Back in the early 80s I worked on a railroad gang and was making 400 a week just like these guys touring

[@zotiyac2678]

Viv made that band happen .. Yes Ronnie was great but when Viv played and did his Solo's ... That what made me buy the albums and made me a Vivian fan ... And we all know that's a true fact ...

[@zombiemachinery4868]

He never played that beautiful after those Dio records though.

[@panzerlieb]

Zombie Machinery well that’s because he was playing other people’s music. Essential, he was playing the gig. That’s what you have to do a lot times and Vivian understood that.

[@zombiemachinery4868]

@@panzerlieb, his soloing in those Dio records still blows my mind.

[@kenanacampora]

I second and third that man. Last in line solo....enough said.

[@Composer19691]

Yep. His riffs and solos on those albums are some of the most underrated playing of that decade.

[@rugdnit911]

Met Viv a couple times... What a lovely guy. Absolutely a beast of a player. Dark, Moody and gets alot out of a note, but has tasty shreds as well. Can hear the Gary Moore influence.

[@LYLEWOLD]

so disappointing to hear this about RJD. just like Ozzy, yeah we can blame the cvnt wives, but they're the men who made the promises and lacked the spine to come good on them.

[@christopherrobin361]

And it's surprising in a way, because Ronnie was such a strong personality . .. but many people still bow in to someone at times.

[@chuckdeless9891]

Maybe Blackmore treated Dio the same way he treated Viv. Once you make a name for yourself, you can take advantage of people. Bad but true.

[@ReddBarron]

No, lets not make the easy excuse and say he lacked the spine to stand up to wendy. Lets call it what it really was. Lies, and greed. Seems that they ultimately became the king and queen that blinded everyones eyes and stole their dreams. How ironic (and sad).

[@mr.brenman2132]

@@ReddBarron Ozzy got robbed when he was in Black Sabbath and Dio probably got robbed earlier in his career. I think they viewed it as paying their dues.

[@alexkopela]

I appreciate Vivian's honesty. As a fan of the original band, it is sad to learn the truth that the firing of Vivian from the band was so unjust and unnecessary. For years we were lied to by the management about Vivian and to this day there are those who still want to continue perpetrating the lie about Vivian. As the saying goes, let the music do the talking and it is clear now that Dio as a band lost a crucial ingredient in Vivian's exceptional musicality. As an example, would the band Queen be the same without Brian May? Or was it all about Freddie Mercury. The answer is that Ronnie miscalculated and the greatest bands in the world always made sure integral members were rewarded fairly.

[@Alvin_C_York]

Well said, alexkopela.

[@paulsecon4889]

R T VERY VERY WELL SAID. I FEEL IDENTICALLY AND GOTTA EAT A LOTTA HUMBLE PIE ON THIS ONE.

[@iamalpharius9483]

Thank you for showing the class that I always hope people will show when the truth, no matter how bad it looks, is spoken. Peace.

[@czos9239]

If I remember right, Adrian Vandenberg kind of slagged VC over his time in Whitesnake, which kind of further a nail in it. If what was said was true VC would not have done well in DL. So it's cool it worked out in the end. In his guitar tape VC came off as a cool dude.

[@alexmurphy5289]

Ronnie doesn't like the early Rainbow stuff because he thought Ritchie overplayed on that album. He had a HUGE ego and seemed to not enjoy the spotlight being on others... Shame because he's one of the greatest metal vocalists of all time. Guitarists can be devas but man lead vocalists are next level

[@stanstanly3812]

Vivian is a class act and a very gifted guitarist.

[@joegarrett8130]

Several things have happened recently that shows this woman's true colors. First was her auctioning off all his collectibles ,merchandise and memorabilia. Second is the Hologram tour. She is doing nothing short of pimping out the great memory of Dio.. She has quickly turned Dio into a circus sideshow..

[@camerondodge2070]

There is one good thing she did, and that was she got some of guys to try and finish some of the demos for Magica 2.

[@mr.brenman2132]

I think her goal was to keep his memory alive.

[@TheMetalVagabond]

Vivian was cast as the malcontent for many years, good to see him tell his side, from his explanation he seems genuine and somewhat reconciled to Ronnie in spite of their differences

[@larrybrown7273]

One The Greatest Guitarists Of His Gen.The Sad Story Of Rock-N-Roll Back Stabbing'Greed

[@tremeloco]

That explains something I always wondered about. I had the opportunity to meet Vivian back in the mid-80s at a guitar shop in Mesa, AZ. This was shortly after he left Dio. He was such a nice guy, soft-spoken, no rockstar attitude. There were only about six people there but he stayed, talked to us and signed some autographs. Finally, someone got a Les Paul out, plugged it in and asked if he would play something. Vivian paused a moment, sat down, took the guitar and played Crazy Train... now I know why.

[@miketuttle3253]

I guess the good thing was he was a young man and was able to recover and able to go on and be really successful. When you see guys his age that are bitter it’s really sad, he seems to be a nice person and in the end he is the last man standing.

[@RycheForOrder]

It's the same story time and again in hard rock and metal......Lynch/Dokken Campell/Dio Coverdale/Sykes Ozzy/Jake E Lee Blackmore/Everyone else

[@juanmanuelperez5684]

I agree almost 100% with Blackmore he did get for all his writing credits .. and the Rainbow singers never had any payments problems or for what they've done ( composed ) in Rainbow

[@angusorvid8840]

One thing I wanted to say for Viv. I've never cared for how Dio or others have slammed him for joining Whitesnake and then his perennial gig, Def Leppard. I say good on Viv! He's survived in a business that doesn't care about musicians, and he did it as a shredding guitarist. Viv is one of the ONLY shredders from the 80s who not only plays as well as he did as a young man, but has gotten better. Look up some concerts of Viv shredding on his Les Paul with Last In Line. He plays better than ever and his tone is better than ever. All that AND he's beaten cancer. He's the ultimate ax wielding badass and my number 1 guitar hero of all time.

[@KillerMcDiller]

Saw all three tours with Vivian, the Sacred Heart tour at Reunion Arena in Dallas I watched Vivian throw his guitar overhand to the side of the stage because his guitar was cutting out during a solo, you could see tension building then. Those 3 shows were some of the most incredible rock shows in history and I've seen them all pretty much from early VH, Iron Maiden first seven tours, almost every JP tour from POE. first 4 slayer tours, every incarnation of Ozzy from DOAMM including Black Sabbath reunion 97 Pantera opened (seen Pantera more than 20 times) Wasp first tour. If you weren't there then you missed pure metal greatness. The 80's were the best.

[@AntonioGazzaneo91]

Phenomenal guitarist, by far one of the most underrated of the 80's

[@rustytime]

Definitely my favorite guitarist Dio had. He's doing ok tho... Vivian Campbell net worth: Vivian Campbell is a Northern Irish musician who has a net worth of $20 million. Vivian Campbell was born in Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland in August 1962...and been jamming ever since.

[@colindavis1496]

I haven't been a Def leppard fan since the mid 80's with Pyromania, I've been critical of the fact that Vivian plays with them for years now, but after hearing this story, i'm glad that Vivian is being well compensated for his talents and rock star status...!!! I love Dio as a singer/songwriter and Vivian was an integral part of Dio's solo success, i'm ashamed of Dio for paying his band members chump change, they should have been making $25,000 a week, not $100.00-$400.00...shame on Dio and his wife...!!!

[@basswanderer2765]

I believe April Wine said it best with...Rock n Roll is a vicious game.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

April Wine were great at their best.

[@shaunclifton5281]

Wow ! So Glad you said that ! I Absolutely Love April Wine !

[@crackedbrainOG]

That line up was and always will be DIO! Vivian was pure greatness on those albums.

[@shughy1]

Should never have accepted the reduced rate to start with, Ronnie has just went down in my estimations a lot, money corrupts everyone.

[@JohnCoctostan]

Then he may not have gotten the gig - this isn't like other careers and jobs. You could look at it as paying his dues and knowing that he would make a name for himself and that would pay off in the long run. It's still shitty that the band was paid so poorly though.

[@clutch2827]

Exactly! I was in a similar situation where I was going to be on a trial period for less money. I said nope. You want me, you'll pay me what I'm asking and I ended up getting the job at the rate I asked for.

[@shughy1]

@@JohnCoctostan if involved in the writing of the songs he should be paid for it, whether he's a nobody or a famous person, every human should be paid in full for the work they do, even for equality grounds

[@JohnCoctostan]

@@shughy1 He isn't entitled to anything except what is agreed upon by both parties. We don't live in a communist utopia. It is up to each side to decide what is fair.

[@shughy1]

@@JohnCoctostan it's a fairly basic moral in life, if you work you should be paid for it. Not that hard to grasp. It was a shitty thing for Ronnie to want, he had no intention in being fair.

[@rowdync]

I didn't realize that Ronnie screwed his band over like Ozzy had. Greed.

[@LordStanley94]

@Darren Thompson There are. This is true. But, upon looking at what/how Sharon Osbourne is, she sure as hell appears to be much like Dio's ex-wife. Both Pieces Of Shit.

[@alexmurphy5289]

Imagine Holy Diver without Vivian. You simply cannot. Last in line without Vivian. Simply impossible. Dio was incredible but man it's called a band for a reason and he always had a huge ego. I love Vivian even more now hearing this, it's obvious he's a good guy and this is the truth. I wish I could meet this man and tell him how much his work on Holy Diver meant to me. I'm only 30 and first hearing the solo on invisible, his riffs on caught in the middle... Just seriously some of the most melodic shredding I've ever heard

[@foesfly3047]

Vivian's contribution to those 3 albums is incredible. Those songs totally blew me away and Mr Campbell's guitar playing was 60% of the reason why. No musician should be criticized for expecting to be paid fairly for his talent and time. I am grateful for much of the music RJD created in his career but I am very disappointed to know how unfairly he treated some of his fellow musicians.

[@hippiesmile2851]

It's about time people hear Viv's side of the story. Viv just get thrown all the flak at him by a lot of people and I honestly think that's unfair for his part. We're only human and we get hurt sometimes. Thanks for this honest interview!

[@satinwhip]

Wow. Ronnie James Dio seemed like such an honest, straight forward type of guy. I have a whole different opinion of him now.

[@tomsenick2033p]

He wasn't that honest of a guy for one he lied about his own past and lied about his age until the day he died

[@manbat1011]

@@tomsenick2033p can you provide evidence? Where did he lie about his age?

[@SuperLuckao]

Yeah, agree. I heard him boast on an interview saying he's so good at what he does. In such a boastful and arrogant way. Changed my view of him since that and now I'm shocked th a t he didn't pay viv Campbell fairly. Hmmm

[@Nick-zu9sn]

As a guy who stumbled through many of your licks playing in a bar cover band in the eighties, we thought Dio was great, but many of us in the guitar cult thought you were even better, and recognized the genius of what you laid down on vinyl. Always loved your style and expression Viv.

[@randarmax]

I really appreciate you posting this interview. So glad to hear Vivian's side of the story and to know that he has come full circle. I've always known it was the musicianship of all members of that band that made it what it was, incredible and undeniable kick in the pants rock music. Stand up and Shout!

[@robertturner1550]

I saw him with Dio and it was a great concert indeed.

[@angusorvid8840]

The production values for each subsequent Dio album went steadily downhill after Sacred Heart. Dream Evil has its moments, but it's an album that would have been a lot better with Vivian. I'm not crazy about Sacred Heart either. It's just too keyboardy at times. It has its moments, but it's full of studio tension. Viv and Ronnie were not getting along well during the recording either. Ronnie was very nasty about Vivian's music after his firing. I think it really bothered Ronnie that Vivian went on to better things, unlike post-Ozzy Jake E. Lee who fell into obscurity, popping up a few years later with Badlands which didn't go anywhere, and then disappearing for decades at a time. The fact that Vivian has survived all these years after Dio, first with Whitesnake, then with Def Leppard, is a massive achievement in this business. And he did it as a guitarist! Not as a frontman, but a great, great guitar player. That's a real victory.

[@wildernessman9388]

This is the only time you will see me say dio was wrong he should have kept Vivian Campbell in dio because he was the best guitarist of that era in time and I believe unfortunately it was dios wife who is to blame just like Sharon Osbourne the wives should stay out of the business and because of this we lost out on some unbelievable music they would have kept making had they stayed together and when Vivian Campbell left the band was a shell of itself.

[@paulsecon4889]

Wilderness Man 110% Right W.M. The wives may insure the cash flow especially with a character like Ozzy but at what cost? Always think I wanna know this shit till I find it out. Shame all the way around. Ronnie either NEVER learned ANYTHING from Blackmore OR Sharon or he did and took it as his que.

[@Diggerdog2nd]

It was all down hill after Vivian was gone. I never bought another Dio album.

[@sharanyosarkar9957]

Vivian Campbell is one of my guitar heroes!!! Even tho I born in 2001 still Dio and Megadeath are my favourite bands!! But I really think Vivian Campbell is really underrated

[@2113rush]

Dio started to suck in albums and as a band when Vivian left. That’s just a fact. The product was never the same.

[@Olegstuff21986]

I can't agree, I think the albums that came later were great as well, but that doesn't justify firing off Vivian and treating the rest of the band like this.

[@Olegstuff21986]

I don't agree, Dream Evil and Lock Up the Wolves were excellent. Still pretty damn bad what he did to Viv, if everything Viv's saying is true, which it likely is seeing as though it has been confirmed both by Bain and Appice.

[@MK-md3jb]

I have always had my doubts about the whole thing, its always been the managers and establishment that screw up with the musicians, its unfortunate but real

[@shamilkhan6749]

Such a humble person Vivian Campbell!! Don't dream of women, Cause they only bring you down!! (lyrics from: Don't talk to strangers) Dio had clearly realized that as well.

[@Nubias]

Ya gotta get this kinda stuff in writing!

[@Monsterdrumma]

Nubias True but I drummed for Kid Rock and going in you are excited and or you kind of know if you say something they might off you from the get go so you might not say anything or you have faith they will be nice people (not smart I know but) then you end up getting stepped on which I also most definitely did also. 500/600 people in the crowd and I would make $30-$70.00’s and 2500 people in the crowd I would make $100.00’s. Tickets were $15.00-$25.00’s at those shows. If I had stepped up at all I would have played zero gigs knowing him so which way do you go? Now musically and personally I would rather have played none but still it is a resume boost.

[@Nubias]

@@Monsterdrumma You have a point,it is easier to look at things after they are done,and say hey you should not have done that. I was a guitarist in the 90's,I will not mention the labels we played for. But at the start I never let people take advantage of us. Some of the members thought I should lighten up,and let these guys steam roll us. Yes,you have to give a little at the start,but don't let people do you without a kiss,what Dio did was wrong. Things move fast! and you have to keep your head,it is more difficult when you are young.

[@youtoo2233]

So true, sadly most people don't keep their word

[@yeahsure8323]

Dude id love to play drums for a 100 bucks for barely an hours worth of work. I realize what you are saying to a point but honestly nobody was their to see you unless your mom bought a ticket....everyone fails to mention the food drinks housing and pussy

[@rodneystanger1651]

@@yeahsure8323 What are you, 13?

[@image30p]

Too bad. We might have enjoyed another 8 or 10 albums with that awesome lineup. That's a lesson for any business. Pay your talent. Without them, it won't work.

[@RandyFricke]

How can you not love Vivian... A true rock treasure.

[@itkojecockot]

firing Viv was Dio's biggest mistake...... with him on board, the band would make many great records....... not saying other albums suck, some of them are quite good, but still nowhere near those Viv albums...... "Dream Evil" was Dio's last very good album, but that was only because the songwriting was still amazing, even when it didn't have such great guitar work as those Viv albums.....

[@itkojecockot]

@Victor R. heard that album once or twice...... never needed to revisit that record ever since...... "Strange Highways" seems much more interesting to me......

[@jimrussellmusic]

Vivian is a very kind and genuine man. He took 30 minutes of his time after a Riverdogs concert to hang out with me, and treated me like a brother. I hear that Dio was a very kind soul, as well. It saddens me that money and ego have such destructive impact on the bands and music we grew up with. Maybe one day we'll figure out how to avoid the pitfalls of pride and greed, and remember why we all love the music. 🤘😎

[@ahyaok100]

When you hear these kinds of stories it makes you remember what the ancients have warned about over and over again: Don't be greedy for riches. You'll end up miserable with no true friends in the end.

[@FitPops]

Really enjoy your interviews! You help to get the truth out sometimes decades later. It's really unfortunate to hear this story and how rampant greed is in the music business...broken contracts, unfulfilled promises, etc...George Lynch, Jake E. Lee, just to name a couple of guitar heroes with similar stories. So happy to see Vivian making peace with it & playing killer guitar with his new sideband 'Last in Line'. Always loved Viv's playing! 🎶🎸🔊🔥 Subbed!

[@scottanderson4175]

It is a tremendous of shame for many reasons but honestly that band was never the same without Vivian much respect much love ❤️

[@mafworkshop6175]

Vivian Campbell is one of my favorite guitar players. His solos on Holy Diver and Last in Line are perfect. I never really listened to sacred heart.

[@chrisreidy439]

Not as good as the first two albums, but still has some good songs and is worth a listen.

[@GuitarWithDofka]

I love Vivian's playing with Dio! I will keep in mind, this is only one side of the story. Also if you are a cowriter, you would still receive publishing royalties, even if you are not getting mechanical royalties. Vivian has done well for himself and I'm happy for his success!

[@armandoaraujo6128]

Remember the story of Jake E Lee and drummer Randy Castillo who did not receive any royalties as cowriters of BATM and TUS albums ??? Yeah, Ozzy was dishonest and greedy too. And he even removed Castilho's battery in the 24-bit remastered reissue. And Jake did not accept the invitation to return to Ozzy if he did not receive his royaties.

[@OnBendedKneeMusic]

He mentioned he, and the rest of the writers, didn't get any royalties. If you look the songs up on Wikipedia, the author is Dio. No one else mentioned. Very sad.

[@TontoEpstein]

@@OnBendedKneeMusic No, what's sad is you think Wikipedia is gospel. What's also sad is you apparently don't listen, he never said he and the rest didn't get any royalties. He, Bain, and Appice received royalties in accordance with their songwriting credits. They all got their publishing money.

[@TontoEpstein]

@SabuPtolemy No, they didn't get "stiffed," they were entitled to receive and indeed received income resulting from royalties from their songwriting publishing credits.

[@ReddBarron]

@guitarwithdofka You are Wrong. Publishing rights legally cover “words” and “melody” which Ronnie greedily made sure he was the sole recipient. Most BANDS simply divide up the rights based on contribution to the overall composition. Unfortunately publishing rights were not shared with others.

[@billdahl7962]

I was a young guitarist when your work on the First Dio albums happened. I was blown away by your soloing on those records! You were a strong influence on me and want to say Thank You for the great playing that so inspired me in my teen years!

[@NeilAloha]

Lmao you can’t shred 🤡💩

[@redghost3170]

Dio’s loss, because Vivian was hands down the best guitarist he ever had. Vivian is a monster guitarist.

[@lloydmunga4961]

My my .... Ronnie just lost a little of my respect .... maybe a little more than a little

[@haitolawrence5986]

On this guys word. ok.

[@megshimatsu8615]

Wendy Dio - another Sharon.

[@AsItHappensHere]

Man THAT ain't NO lie!

[@phillynott2459]

@@haitolawrence5986 he never changed his story. This is obviously what happened. How can you doubt the veracity of what he is saying?

[@garrettcopeland8136]

@@phillynott2459 The other "two in the room" have said that is not what happened.

[@kennyblackburn3819]

I remember reading an interview with Vivian right after the split back in the 80s. This is exactly how it went down. Dio burned him.... plain and simple.

[@davidyates8880]

I saw Dio at Hammersmith Odeon on the Holy Diver tour. It was brilliant. Vivian's playing really shone. He was as integral to Dio as Page was to Zeppelin. Saw Vivian play with Whitesnake too. Love his playing and he seems like a top bloke.

[@thevoiceinsidesomeoneelses3137]

One the best guitarist of all time, and a great person!

[@jimmyandersson59]

Lol

[@Peterplayingguitar]

I never knew the truth until this interview. Thanks for sharing that with us Viv. So many bummer music industry stories like this.

[@jimmyandersson59]

Do you still Think that you have the Whole truth?

[@ReddBarron]

@@jimmyandersson59 No, he doesnt have the whole truth… it’s actually much more disgusting. The pre-planned instant Craig Goldy swap out mid-tour during a break. Planned for over a year. Stringing Viv along just squeezing the juice for one more album before the axe.

[@bkul44]

dio wouldnt of been dio without this man !!!!

[@geezberry8889]

Vivian should have gotten royalties for Holy Diver no question without him that album isn't as huge

[@lobbyspurpleaztecs]

l remember Viv saying in an interview back in the day. lt was also the magazine article headline "Ronnie never shared his dream with me." l got to see his replacement Craig Goldy when Dio toured Australia in '88.

[@bobg.3206]

Vivian Campbell was Dio. I never bought one of those cassettes to listen to the singing. I can listen to early 80's guitar solos by Campbell all day long and they are still fresh.

[@metalheadCP]

When Dio (rock god) gives you a shot (Vivian was 19 and no one knew who he was), you just say yes sir and hope he's a good guy who's going to make you rich and famous. Turns out he either wasn't a good guy, or he let his manager Wendy call the shots, or both. Sucks that he got screwed over, but at least Vivian gained fame in Dio, which led to him playing in Whitesnake and Def Leppard...

[@1Deep43VA]

It’s easy to say, but it’s not easy being on the road, toiling away years of your life for a light at the end of the road that was never there. I’d have been angry too. Unfortunately, I would’ve never done the deal in the first place. 1 album, maybe, but 3 albums could be a 10 years commitment. That’s insane.

[@kuolanen]

Ronnie could have gotten more money with paying the guys more, but keeping the band together. They made the biggest hits of Dios career and could have done many more.

[@MonwarulHoqueMoni]

I respect Vivian Campbell's guitar works in All the Dio songs he's played.. Great guitarist with his unique sound..

[@rossmacdonald3880]

Thanks for the great insights with Vivian. Another great musician-artist to respect & look up to! And have a pint with if the chance ever came up!👍🍻

[@johnp1787]

..well damn...did not know it went down like that...Ronnie seemed like a just guy to me and I always thought he took care of his bandmembers alot better than other bandleaders...for me..when Vivian left..the band was never the same..and even more so when Vinnie left..I saw Dio live on the Last in Line tour 1984 and that is still one of the best concerts I've been to..that original lineup was pure magic👌..Great to here from Viv what really happened!🙏

[@paulsecon4889]

John P Yeah I trashed Vivian for years and very recently. Feel like a dick. Vicious game.

[@johnp1787]

@@paulsecon4889 Mmm..lesson learned I guess..you never know what to think with all the rumors goin around..good to here from him personaly!👍

[@whatcher8151]

@@paulsecon4889 Yeah I know we cannot hear the other side now but this has taken DIO off the podium in my life. I am a much more noble person. Thought of him the same. I think I was wrong.

[@jimmyandersson59]

Why are you all riding Campbells dick? Where you there?

[@TCraigGoldy]

This is a great interview and my hats off to how Viv ended it. There were 5 people in the room when that promise went down, I was there. And I know that wasn't the only time they spoke of it. Ronnie had absolutely NO problem standing up to Wendy when they disagreed. I was there for those too. It's impossible to hide that while I lived there They all got paid $100 a week before the album advance came in cause Ronnie got stiffed by Sabbath and Ronnie was in litigation with them trying to get what was owed to him. Jimmy and Viv lived at Ronnie's house, Ronnie paid for everything for them, food, guitars, amps,strings, picks, cables, regearsals, transpertation, restaurants plus $100 a week, which would've been the equivalent of nearly $750 per week, but it all went on a credit card of Ronnie's while he waited for his Sabbath money to come in. Vinny had a house of his own and so did Jimmy eventually once the Sabbath money and the Holy Diver advance came through. The ONLY reason the lighting director got paid more was because Ronnie had to pay to bring in more lighting and enlarge the inhouse speaker systems in those arenas just like every band did back then. The company that Ronnie paid to have those things, that company paid the crew wages. The bus drivers always made more money than we ever did. But it was Ronnie paying for the tour buses, hotels for the entire band and crew, Truck drivers to haul their gear, catering for each concert, per diems for all band and crew at an extra $210 per person per week for food on days off. The record sales, ticket sales and merchandise that Ronnie got once it was split with the record company went towards paying for all that. I got to sit down with the tour accountant and he showed me how much money was made.....and how much money had to be spent. And that if it were an equal share band....after expenses....they would've made less or sometimes broke even with what they were getting paid! Viv exaggerates his losses. He doesn't explain songwriter and publisher shares of songs. Most publishing companies in the 80's were giving out $50,000 advances for the songs they wrote.....per person, per year. I know, cause I was one of them after Viv. When you add up the album advances, publishing advances and $1,500 per week salary they were all actually paid while on tour plus $210 per diem per week for every year.....it adds up to quite a lot. But THAT truth wouldn't get Viv any sympathy. My first year with Dio was over $150,000. If you multiply that by 4...it comes out about right with Claude in there. 50% goes to the lyrics and melidies and the other 50% goes to the music. Now, since Ronnie wrote all lyrics and melodies as it says on each Dio album. That automatically makes the remaining 50% split between 4 other guys. When Ronnie wrote any of the music which he always did.... his percentages go to 60-75% of each song. The remaining 40%-25% now split between 4 other guys. That is not the rule Ronnie made.....it's the rule the music industry did. Those guys all had really nice houses and cars, I know cause I was in them. They got paid very well. Viv did NOT approach Ronnie in a respectful way about the equal share thing. Even though Vinny said they all felt the same way Viv did......then where was the united front? Why was it left up to only Viv? The only united front that Vinny, Jimmy and Claude attended was when they came after me wanting me to give them some of the money I made writing the "Dream Evil" album. So.....just remember.....as nice as Viv sounds in this interview...there is always 2 sides of every story! And I saw and heard both!!!

[@christopherandreola5292]

Dios best lineup was the original lineup. Campbell, Bain, and Vinny. Campbell was one of my favorite guitarists at the time, Combo of speed and great talent, IMO.

[@billygonzales7675]

The Campbell years ,no doubt was the greatest, chemistry was perfect ,songs were perfectly written and arranged with the right amount of melody and intensity thanks to Campbell/Dio combination

[@scottpollack1007]

I feel terrible for Vivian! He is a Great Guy and a Wonderful Human Being! He beat Cancer which I believe was brought on by all the stress he was under in Dio! I have lost pretty much all the respect I had for RJD because of the way he mistreated Vivian and the other band members! THE FACT THAT HE COULDN’T STAND UP TO HIS WIFE IS A JOKE! In fact, he should not have waited until the third albums to compensate his band fairly! It shows what a tremendous guy Vivian was to wait that long and to believe RJD would follow thru with his promise! The old saying was never more true, GET IT IN WRITING!

[@MrArchie800]

I heard Vivian Campbell speak about this many years ago and he came across very bitter and twisted, I think he got a bit of a bad rep for his attitude at the time, but it seems he was truly shat on from a great height. I'm glad he's happier and TBH it was Dio's loss because the band was never the same after Campbell was dumped.

[@stevenhanson1454]

Well said Vivian. Another example on how a wife/ manager can mess up the creative chemistry of a great rock band. I have will never aknowledge the first 4 Ozzy records as anything but Blizzard of Oz. Sounds like Wendy Dio messed things up like Sharon Osbourne. You are the best Vivian!!

[@ReddBarron]

NOTHING was executed without Ronnies ok. Period. Nobody is to blame but him. Nobody, not even Wendy could have fired Vivian on her own. Dont be naive.

[@jodylowe8476]

Its bad enough when talented musicians get taken advantage of by management, record companies, but much worse when taken advantage of by diva singers.

[@Danfromoverthere]

That original lineup was the best man!

[@394pjo]

Dio's best Guitarist by far and a perfect gentleman. His firing scenario reads like a script from Spinal Tap. The girlfriend/manager...

[@marjoriehagen9478]

I love both of these musicians but let’s remember there are two sides to every story and unfortunately Dio is not here to rebut. Memories fade with time which is why you ALWAYS get it in writing!!

[@ReddBarron]

There are two sides to stories, but not two sides to facts. Go look up online to see who owns all the publishing rights to the songs. Easy publishing rights search tools

[@silverstone3228]

seems that having your wife as a manager is the most horrible decision to do for a band same happened with malmsteen , history repeats itself

[@RockHardRiffs]

One of my favorites from the 80’s...

[@ytube777]

For a young artist, getting yourself out there is worth taking a hit on pay, especially Ronny had the name/recognition pull. My criticism is that it was only word of mouth/handshake deal. Get it in writing and make sure whoever holds the purse strings knows about it. Personally, I think 3 albums is way too much to commit to for such a deal.

[@MarcHuppman]

I remember how angry, and how hurt, both men seemed when they parted ways. I’ve seen some video of Ronnie saying very hurtful and mean-spirited things about Vivian, and it made me very sad because everything I know about Ronnie shows that this was not the man he was.

[@carlmarks8170]

"The world is full of kings and queens who blind your eyes and steal your dreams, it's heaven and hell..."

[@rockoc7590]

Vivian Campbell, and I have a lot in common. We both got screwed in Biz by people we loved...and we reacted in the same exact way. Hurt...beyond Hurt. I wasn't fired by my band. I was fired from a company that I started from scratch by scum investors, and the very people that I brought into my company. That's some F'n Pain right there bro. It's like getting your baby ripped from your arms while you are handcuffed. I appreciate Mr Campbell on a Much Greater level today...when you get to the next level in any business. There are evil scum bags just waiting to steal your dreams...hey, that was by accident haha They'd blind your eyes if they could as well! lol Stay Strong Mr. Campbell. You're loved by the only people that matter:-) Your Family & the fans that got to know you personally. Everyone that saw this interview is a better person by osmosis.

[@NeilAloha]

You can’t shred Lmao You compare yourself to Vic lmao 🤡😂💩

[@dahmc59]

Vivian will always be one of the greatest guitar heros in my book. Ronnie should have kept his word, now i have no sympathy for Ronnie's rant against Black Sabbath. You have to take care of and stand up for each other especially when the team has good chemistry. so much for "stand up and shout"...so sad.

[@wordragon]

This happens so much in every industry. Creative people are constantly being ripped off by egotists and non-creatives every day. Wendy Dio...?

[@gregj410]

How ironic that a video recently came up on my feed of how RJD felt Ritchie Blackmore didn’t know how to treat people. What an incredible band, that seems to have been completely mis managed.

[@Davy.J.Y]

The first solo album was outstanding. It was never beaten as far as i was concerned. It was a powerhouse of a recording. The Holy Diver lineup , in my opinion, was the best. Obviously they were all looked upon as replaceable and also looked down upon. Very sad indeed. What was DIO thinking..oh dear me.

[@greenmartian4578]

He was arrogant, like Ozzy. Dio’s arrogance did him in though, Ozzy still managed to put out okay albums but Dio’s went right down the tubes after the first three. Ozzy never topped the first two albums, but did manage to put out higher quality stuff than Dio.

[@Davy.J.Y]

@@greenmartian4578 Yeah, i loved the first 2 Ozzy albums. Also Bark at the moon was great with Jake on guitar. At the time everyone was playing Crazy Train..and Mr Crowley.

[@mr.brenman2132]

@@greenmartian4578 Ozzy was one of the few metal artists that never stopped having platinum success throughout the 90's and 2000's. No matter who he had in the band he was still successful. That's the thing people want to trash Ozzy for what went down with his original solo band but he was ultimately the common denominator in his success. Whether the music is good or not he has star power and people are drawn to that. Was Ozzy arrogant? Seems like he was more messed up on drugs where as Dio never had any drinking or drug problems.

[@mr.brenman2132]

@@Davy.J.Y No More Tears is a solid album and so is No Rest for the Wicked.

[@Ilurk247]

Sad to think that if you had a popular song on the radio the first thing you do when you hear it is turn the radio off.

[@integrity101]

So why did Vinny Appice and Jimmy Bain not stick up for Vivian?? Or why not force RJD to replace all 3 guys? Not sure i buy it? Why were the other two guys ok with this?

[@gnomeam]

Well according to an interview that Campbell did in 2017, the other two didn't press Dio on it because the gig with Dio was the best that they had going for themselves at the time. Even though they were getting shortchanged, it was still a paycheck, and if Dio did cut them loose, they didn't have a real backup plan to pay their bills or their mortgages. So Viv was the only one who kept pushing for it because, in his words, he was the only one who " had nothing to lose. I wasn’t married, I had no kids, I didn’t even have a home, I had no mortgage- I didn’t know any better."

[@wereleeroads9311]

Bain was so deep into substances that he couldn't afford to lose the salary (but was eventually fired due to those problems). Appice as drummer didn't have as many songwriting credits so also wasn't getting much from ASCAP or BMI.

[@Thebeastfromnorth75]

Exactly my thoughts. Not buying this.

[@mikeking3507]

@@Thebeastfromnorth75 Vivian Campbell waits til 10 years after Dio died to make these claims.... his credibility should have been checked at the door, and I agree that Wendy should be bitch smacked for the way she is singlehandedly destroying Ronnies legacy, but calling Dio a cheap skate and not paying you is disgusting. From all the great things he did throughout his career...screwing people wasn't one of them.

[@xwhite2020]

@@mikeking3507 What's your credentials on the matter?

[@crosseyedwillie]

Greeed!!!! It's sad to hear this!