by Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper: A Shared Love of Rock and Roll
Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper may seem like an unlikely pairing on the surface. Depp is one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, known for iconic roles in films like Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Alice Cooper, on the other hand, is a legendary rock icon who helped pioneer shock rock in the 1970s with his elaborate stage shows and dark lyrical themes. However, beneath their very different public personas lies a deep connection rooted in a mutual love and respect for rock and roll.
Music was the initial bond between Depp and Cooper. In 2015, the two joined forces as founding members of the Hollywood Vampires, a rock supergroup that pays tribute to deceased rock stars. The band was formed by Depp, along with Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and drummer Tommy Henriksen. Their goal was to honor the lives and careers of rock legends that had passed away, while having fun jamming together. Depp had long admired Cooper’s rebellious image and showmanship, making him the perfect collaborator for such a project.
The name “Hollywood Vampires” was inspired by an actual drinking club of the same name that was frequented by Cooper, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and other rock icons in the 1970s. For their album and live shows, the group covers songs made famous by artists like David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, and more. Depp handles guitar and vocals, while Cooper lends his signature raspy baritone. Their live performances have been praised for capturing the rowdy, hard-partying spirit of the original Hollywood Vampires club.
Beyond just being bandmates, Depp and Cooper’s shared passion for rock music runs deep. Both are known for their encyclopedic knowledge of rock history and artists. Depp in particular has spoken at length about how the rebellious spirit of rock inspired him from a young age. Musicians like The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and Keith Richards helped shape his worldview and artistic sensibilities. This love of rock is something he’s channeled into his acting roles over the years as well.
One of Depp’s most iconic parts was as journalist Lester Bangs in 2000’s Almost Famous. Bangs was a legendary rock critic known for championing gritty, underground bands in the 1970s. Depp immersed himself in research, learning Bangs’ unique speaking patterns and mannerisms to bring him to life on screen. For Cooper, rock music was more than just an influence – it was his life’s work. As the frontman of Alice Cooper, he pushed the boundaries of shock rock and theatrical performances. His elaborate guillotine acts and gory stage shows shocked audiences and parents groups alike.
Beyond their music careers, Depp and Cooper also share a flair for dramatic, larger-than-life personas. On stage, Depp often takes on flamboyant, eccentric characters. He’s not afraid to fully commit to wild makeup, costumes, and physical transformations to embody a role. This theatricality is something he says he learned from observing artists like Iggy Pop and David Bowie. Cooper, too, is renowned for his captivating stage presence. From snake wrangling to fake blood and decapitation scenes, his concerts were legendary spectacles that blurred the lines between performance art and rock show. Both understand the power of visuals and drama to captivate an audience.
Their mutual appreciation for each other’s talents is evident. Cooper has spoken very highly of Depp over the years, praising his commitment to roles and chameleonic acting abilities. In a 2015 interview, he said of Depp: “Johnny can become anybody…he’s one of the few actors that can really become a character.” Meanwhile, Depp’s admiration for the original shock rocker is clear. He’s cited Cooper as a major artistic influence and even dressed as the singer for a 2011 Halloween party. Their friendship extends beyond work as well – they’re known to spend time together socially with their families when not touring or filming.
Beyond Hollywood Vampires, there has been speculation over the years about other potential collaborations between Depp and Cooper. In 2017, Cooper expressed interest in Depp directing a biopic about his career. He felt Depp would be perfect to capture the essence of his over-the-top stage shows and persona. Nothing came to fruition, but the idea shows the high regard they have for each other’s talents outside of music. Depp has also been rumored to potentially join Cooper on stage during concerts, though it hasn’t manifested yet. Their chemistry and camaraderie suggests more joint projects could emerge down the line.
At their core, Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper share a deep passion for rock and roll that transcends surface differences. They both understand the rebellious spirit and artistry behind the genre in a very authentic, intimate way. This connection served as the foundation for their friendship and collaboration in Hollywood Vampires. While their careers may seem dissimilar on paper, a love of music and theatrical performance is what truly binds these two icons together. Both continue to push creative boundaries in their own realms, keeping the rebellious rock spirit alive for new generations to discover. Their partnership shows that rock fandom can forge unlikely bonds between artists in Hollywood and beyond.
