Lynch or Campbell??

[markb]

Just curious as to who commands more respect out of the two. They're both good obviously, and its music not a competition blah blah etc etc. Just wondering who has the 'edge' amongst the faithful here, this being a guitar site and all.

I myself think that Lynch was the better of the two for the most part, but the 'High water mark' goes to Campbell for Last in Line, as I don't think Lynch ever laid down anything that quite that good, that was just a magic moment for Viv, all the stars aligned etc. But I think most of the time George was more interesting, a little bit. I'd say Back for the Attack was the best work for solos overall out of the two.

They're both similar in a way in their approach, very obviously unschooled players, which helped make them unique, although there are drawbacks to that too. Live neither of them could neccesarily recreate the studio magic every song, partly because of the unschooled part, like Van Halen they really never played anything the same way twice and you got what you got. Viv is obviously way more european sounding and George very California of course.

[dg]

I like 'em both, but in completely different ways. I give Lynch a big edge in technique, but I love those early Dio songs so much more than anything from Dokken or Lynch Mob (just my personal taste), and Viv's playing fit the bill so perfectly. When I listen to a Dokken tune, it's like I'm putting up with it just to hear Lynch.

[Robert Burns]

Lynch for me...because he plays like i do, in my mind. A terrror..
Vivian is silky smooth...and probably has the better classic songs
to his credit...but "Mr Scary"? Wicked Sensation"?? Come on,
monsters and in the guitar community thats enough. My vote for
George

[thebeggar]

When I listen to a Dokken tune, it's like I'm putting up with it just to hear Lynch.

+1

I really enjoy the Lynch Mob/Self titled stuff I've heard. It's like we're getting a lynch solo for a whole cd without having to put up with Don's, at times, whiny singing.
I also agree about Last in Line. That was one of the best early 80's metal albums ever. I don't think Ronny or even Viv quite captured the intensity of that album.
So I guess my answer NFI

[neilli]

I just don't get the appeal that Lynch has to people - he's a great player for sure, but to my ears he's just not interesting or melodic at all, and his playing just bores me as it all sounds the same.

So for me, Campbell it is then!

[jacksoncsplayer]

Viv was hot for a couple years and has some serious chops, but lynch smokes. Viv had great tone when he was with Dio but I think it ended there. Lynch has allways had great tone and did what he wanted, he's not as good as he was but he can still smoke.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWntxpcq9FI

[markb]

One thing I could add is that i think they were both mediocre rhythm players. In Vivians case, it might be Dio presiding over everything, as plodding power chords seem to follow Dio around. In Dokken's case, I think Georges stiffness and lack of creativity as a rhythm player hurt the band, kept the overall sound of the band and the songs from being what they could have. Didn't bother me, as I liked Slayer, Kreator etc., but just an observation.

[thetroy]

I listen to Viv's playing more often personally (DIO fucking rules), but on this site in particular Lynch is more highly regarded.

[Axewielder]

The Dio gig has guaranteed that Campbell is untouchable. Even Tony Iommi is better than Lynch, because he played with Dio too!

[jacksoncsplayer]

The Dio gig has guaranteed that Campbell is untouchable. Even Tony Iommi is better than Lynch, because he played with Dio too!

:ROTF: :ROTF: :ROTF: :ROTF: :ROTF: :ROTF: :ROTF:

[Axewielder]

Laugh if you want. It's the Dio factor. It trumps having fingertips even.

[jonsgon]

both are fukin' great but my vote is for........pedro........all jokes aside, i like viv, just from the dio stuff, just great guitar work

jon

[LastInLine]

One only needs to look at my avatar/screen name to see where my loyalty lies. Most have mentioned "last In Line" as Campbell's finest work, but I would say that the "Holy Diver" album is Campbell's finest hour. It is without a doubt the perfect mesh of old school rythmn guitar ala Sabbath with 80's guitar hero lead guitar playing. "Rainbow in the Dark", while one of the more commercial songs on the album, nevertheless has one of the greatest lead breaks I've ever heard. It's a mini composition unto itself and a brilliant guitar solo IMO, as are the solo's to "Invisible", "Holy Diver" and "Straight Through The Heart". Campbell is one of my top 3 favorites of all time and the reason I bought my first Charvel back in the early 80's.

[jacksoncsplayer]

One only needs to look at my avatar/screen name to see where my loyalty lies. Most have mentioned "last In Line" as Campbell's finest work, but I would say that the "Holy Diver" album is Campbell's finest hour. It is without a doubt the perfect mesh of old school rythmn guitar ala Sabbath with 80's guitar hero lead guitar playing. "Rainbow in the Dark", while one of the more commercial songs on the album, nevertheless has one of the greatest lead breaks I've ever heard. It's a mini composition unto itself and a brilliant guitar solo IMO, as are the solo's to "Invisible", "Holy Diver" and "Straight Through The Heart". Campbell is one of my top 3 favorites of all time and the reason I bought my first Charvel back in the early 80's.

Viv's playing on holy diver was insane, great tone, great rythms, and insane solos. He was a definate influence in my playing as well. I think they are both great, I just appreciate the longevity of Lynch.

[rjohnstone]

I'll take Viv over George any day.
George's stuff is cool, just not my thing.
I think Viv has better chops and is a solid and well rounded player.
George is a one trick pony.