Lynch or Campbell??

[fuel0707]

I really dig both of those guys. I had the Dio albums with Viv and all of the Dokken stuff with George when I was in high school.

But as I look back now, I see something interesting. I've bought a lot of George's material since the '80's (Lynch Mob, Lynch/Pilson, etc. but NOT "Smoke This"). With Vivian, I haven't bought anything that he's been invovled with since Riverdogs. I can appreciate some of Leppard's more recent stuff, but there just isn't the intensity of the fiery playing that I still hear at times with Lynch.

So in terms of overall impact, I'd pick George over Viv. But that said, I'm probably going to listen to "Holy Diver" later on...

[Horse Called War]

I seen both of these players live. I seen Viv on the last in line and Holy diver tours, both times he kicked ass. I have seen George with Dokken and Solo and he sucked balls both times. George is a great player, but Viv kicked his ass

[fullmetalguitar]

I'm going with George Lynch. He was my biggest influence growing up in the 80s. His playing on Tooth & Nail, Under Lock & Key, Back For The Attack, and Wicked Sensation still get my blood pumping. I never get tired of hearing "Into The Fire" and "Kiss of Death." Those solos kill.

However, he has also let me down more than just about any other player. His playing on Lynch/Pilson, Lynch Mob Revolution, and Furious George is a mere shadow of his former self. He has not progressed nor even maintained what he once had. Very sad indeed.

[SkateRags]

I can listen to Holy Diver or Last in Line any day all day. I dug up Tooth and Nail about a month ago and had to turn it off. Vivian gets my vote.
Has anyone heard Two Sides of IF by Vivian, I didnt see it mentioned. Blues covers, I heard it was good.

[Razor]

Mr. Scary all the way here too!

[ADR]

I do have to give GL and Dokken credit, cause so many hair bands covered those their songs (back in the 80's)and there were tons of chicks at those shows, thus got me laid more than I did at a Dio show.

[Soap]

I saw Viv when he was in Whitesnake along with Vandenberg.
They both had solo spot in the show.
Viv had above average speed and techn.
Didn't matter much, Vandenberg was the more skilled player.
Vandenberg was much more melodic and rythmic just a much better player.
To me, Viv ain't all that.

[jwoods986]

Lynch for me!

[JC_Denton]

Lynch for me

[mattsmusiccenter]

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

I auditioned for Dio in 88 and got to play/hang with him and the band for a whole day. Made it down to the last couple guys before getting cut. That means I'm better than Lynch?

[horns666]

I auditioned for Dio in 88 and got to play/hang with him and the band for a whole day. Made it down to the last couple guys before getting cut. That means I'm better than Lynch?

That's right Matt!!

Early George would smoke Viv..

Viv NOW would smoke George..

George is NOT the same player he was back in the day..

Anywhoo..Reb Beach, Warren D and Doug Aldrich smokes both.

[Rupe]

Lynch was my biggest influence in the 80's after Randy died...I've even had my playing compared to him.

I also loved Viv and learned pinch harmonics from him (Yeah, they existed before Zakk).

Now, after seeing how poorly Lynch played on his last tour (not to mention his horrible, ice-pick-in-the-eardrum tone) I've lost alot of my love for him, although I still dig his older material.

That said, I think the first two Dio albums have stood the test of time better than the Dokken catalog.

I'll give the nod to Lynch but its a close call. Ultimately its rather silly to debate this...to each their own (and like Bill said, Reb, Warren, and Doug are all kicking major ass these days).

[Top Jimmy B]

I have always preferred Lynch over Campbell. George has a guys name, Vivian, well...that's my nana's name.

[horns666]

I have always preferred Lynch over Campbell. George has a guys name, Vivian, well...that's my nana's name.

[DonP]

Another vote for Lynch, but I hold Vivian in high regards as well. Last in Line was the very first concert I went to. I remember that year, sitting by the pool, nothing but Dio and Maiden playing out of the boom box.

Lynch inspired me to paint my axe in tiger stripes, and I just picked up an SL2H Bengal.

I love Lynch's tasty blues solos on some of those Dokken tunes.

Vivian had a lot more exciting stuff, but after Dio, what happened???

It also turned me off that he doesn't appreciate his work with Dio (from things I've heard). Those were such wonderful songs, why not like it?