Junkyard Presents: Hollywood Vampires
Johnny Depp Back with a Guitar – Hollywood Vampires
Famous Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, well known from both the small and big screens for his unforgettable roles in various films, has returned this year to his old love—music. However, if we take a closer look at Johnny’s biography, beyond his acting career, it becomes clear that he has never really left the world of music. Since performing with the Florida glam metal band Rock City Angels in 1987, he has occasionally played with various artists and bands. The combination of acting and music, along with his ability to navigate both worlds—which have a lot in common—has made Johnny Depp one of the most popular and, among female fans, one of the most desirable actor-musicians of all time.
This year, Johnny has once again dived deep into the world of music. He is a founding member of the newest Hollywood supergroup, formed alongside legends Alice Cooper and Joe Perry from Aerosmith. They are joined by a powerhouse rhythm section: former Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver members Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, along with another guitarist from Cooper’s band, Tommy Henriksen. The founding trio—Cooper, Perry, and Depp—named their supergroup The Hollywood Vampires in honor of the rock stars who lost their lives due to excesses during the 1970s. The name also references the infamous “drinking club” that Alice Cooper founded in the ’70s, whose members included John Lennon and Keith Moon.
Shortly after forming, Hollywood Vampires hit the stage, playing club shows in Los Angeles and other U.S. cities, starting with the legendary Roxy. Their performances featured a mix of 1970s rock classics, often with guest appearances from major music legends. Their biggest concert to date has been on one of the world’s most famous stages—Rock in Rio in Brazil.
To complete the story, which already seems quite exciting, the band also released a self-titled album. The record came out in early September this year, featuring 14 tracks, mostly covers of legendary bands such as The Who, Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors. In addition to these, the album includes two brand-new original songs—“Raise the Dead” and “My Dead Drunk Friends”—written by Depp and Cooper. The album’s theme and sound align perfectly with the group’s dark and rebellious image. The project also boasts an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including Dave Grohl, Slash, Brian Johnson, Robby Krieger, Paul McCartney, and many others.
So, how does Johnny Depp actually play the guitar? This time, there is no better opportunity to follow that closely. Magazines, social media, and YouTube are filled with articles, photos, and videos of Hollywood Vampires’ performances and album tracks. With just a few clicks, you can watch Johnny and his crew rocking out in front of tens of thousands of people. While Depp has performed as a musician before, this project seems to be his most exciting one yet. Not so much in terms of success or fame—because Depp and his bandmates have long since achieved those—but rather in the sense of raw rock ‘n’ roll energy.
This dirty blues-rock chaos, delivered straight from the depths of L.A.’s underground music scene, sets Hollywood Vampires apart from other supergroups. Depp’s musicianship, charisma, and stage presence add a crucial edge that elevates the band to the top of the global rock scene. How long this project will last and whether the band plans to do more in the future remains uncertain. The members’ other commitments will undoubtedly play a key role in the band’s longevity, as is often the case with supergroups.
For now, however, there’s no need for speculation—just sit back and enjoy what these icons of music and film do best. Rock ‘n’ roll, of course!
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