In a recent interview with dopeYeah Talk, Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell opened up about his short stint with Whitesnake — and hinted that fellow guitarist Adrian Vandenberg may have played a role in his departure.
Campbell joined Whitesnake during a crucial time in the band’s history — as frontman David Coverdale was assembling a new lineup following the recording of the blockbuster Whitesnake ’87 album. But despite the excitement, Campbell says backstage tensions began immediately, especially between the two guitarists.
📞 “I Get a Phone Call…”
Recalling how he joined the band, Campbell said:
“I get a phone call from John Kalodner. I’m in Ireland at my parents’ house and John said, ‘Well, David Coverdale Whitesnake, he’s recorded this album. He’s basically fired the whole band during the process. We’re going to put a band together around this record. It’s going to be huge.’”
After hearing the Whitesnake ’87 album, Campbell agreed to meet the band.
“So, we meet with Coverdale… Adrian Vandenberg is there. David explains why he wanted to be a two guitar band. And Rudy Sarzo playing bass, Tommy Aldridge on drums. I mean, the pedigree of the band was undeniable.”
⚡ Guitar Solo Drama Begins
According to Campbell, friction began as soon as the guitar parts were being divided:
“Adrian and I immediately start fighting over who’s playing guitar solo… I want this one. I want that one. I really like Adrian. He’s a great guy. We got on really really well, but I never got the feeling that Adrian wanted two guitar players in the band… It was nothing personal.”
🎸 Vandenberg’s Role and That Hit Solo
Vandenberg had already been involved during the latter part of the album sessions, notably contributing to one of the band’s biggest tracks:
“He actually played the solo on ‘Here I Go Again,’ which turned out to be the biggest hit on the record.”
Campbell suggested that Vandenberg may not have known another guitarist was coming in:
“Adrian confided with me that David hadn’t told him it was going to be a two guitar player band.”
💥 Offstage Tensions and Personal Conflicts
The drama wasn’t limited to guitars. Vivian also revealed that a personal conflict between his wife and actress Tawny Kitaen added stress:
“My wife and Tawny Kitaen just did not get along. So there was a bit of that conflict… When somebody has a problem with your wife then I got a problem with them.”
🧩 Final Thoughts on His Exit
Though he insists he still respects Adrian Vandenberg, Campbell hinted that Vandenberg may have subtly contributed to his departure:
“I really, and I don’t want this to come off the wrong way ‘cuz I love Adrian Vandenberg, but… I tend to think that maybe Adrian was weighing the scales of justice a little bit… Like, ‘Maybe we don’t need this guy.’”
🎶 Behind the Curtain of a Rock Milestone
Campbell’s candid reflections offer a behind-the-scenes look at the internal friction that surrounded the creation of one of hard rock’s biggest albums. While the Whitesnake ’87 era brought commercial success, it also revealed how creative differences and personal tensions can quietly alter a band’s trajectory.
