Hollywood Vampires

Hollywood Vampires is an American supergroup composed of Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Joe Perry. The band is known for performing covers of songs by deceased rock artists, as well as original material, celebrating the legacy of rock's fallen icons. Their 2015 debut album, released to coincide with their first live shows at the Roxy Theatre, featured numerous guest stars including Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl. Their second album, Rise, released in 2019, showcased more original songs and was followed by a tour. Hollywood Vampires are distinctive for their fluid lineup, often inviting guest musicians to join them on stage, a characteristic that aligns with their origins. As of 2026, the band continues to tour and record new music.[edit]

The genesis of Hollywood Vampires traces back to a casual yet pivotal encounter in 2011, when rock icon Alice Cooper invited actor and long-time musician Johnny Depp to play guitar at a private show held at London's 100 Club. Depp, whose musical talents predated his acting career, impressed Cooper with his skill, sparking a conversation about forming a new band. The idea was to create a tribute group honoring Cooper's legendary 1970s drinking club, the original "Hollywood Vampires," which famously convened above the Rainbow Bar and Grill on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. This concept solidified, and the Hollywood Vampires officially formed in 2012 in Los Angeles, California, United States, with Cooper recruiting his longtime friend and Aerosmith guitarist, Joe Perry, to complete the core trio.

With Cooper, Depp, and Perry at its heart, the band embarked on a mission to record a covers album, paying homage to the many deceased musicians who had inspired them. They planned for only a couple of original songs to feature on their debut record. To bring their vision to life, they enlisted Bob Ezrin, a renowned producer celebrated for his work with artists like Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, and KISS. Recording sessions commenced at Cooper's studio in Phoenix and Perry's home studio in Boston. The project rapidly gained momentum, "snowballing" as an array of famous friends enthusiastically volunteered to contribute, including Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Joe Walsh, Slash, Brian Johnson, Perry Farrell, and even Christopher Lee in what would be his final recorded performance.

The band's highly anticipated debut arrived in September 2015 with two sold-out shows at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. For these inaugural live performances, the lineup expanded to include Duff McKagan on bass and Matt Sorum on drums, both esteemed former members of Guns N' Roses. The self-titled debut album, featuring its all-star cast, was released on the same day as their first live shows, marking a significant entry into the music scene. Later that year, the Hollywood Vampires made their festival debut at Rock in Rio. [edit]

Hollywood Vampires play hard rock rooted in the classic sound of the 1970s. Their debut album is primarily a covers collection, with songs by The Who, Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, John Lennon, and others. The band's approach is reverent but energetic, staying faithful to the originals while adding their own grit. The two original songs, "Raise the Dead" and "My Dead Drunk Friends," set the tone with themes of mortality and celebration.

The second album Rise expanded into more original material, including songs like "I Want My Now" and "Who's Laughing Now." The sound remains hard rock but shows growth in songwriting. Cooper's theatrical vocals, Perry's bluesy leads, and Depp's slide guitar create a distinctive blend. The band's live shows often include extended jams and guest appearances, keeping each performance unique. [edit]

Hollywood Vampires revived a piece of rock history with their name and concept. The original drinking club, which included John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, and Keith Moon, had become legendary in rock lore. By reusing the name, the band introduced a new generation to that era's debauchery and camaraderie.

The band also demonstrated that a supergroup could be a tribute act, not just a commercial venture. Their focus on honoring deceased friends gave the project emotional weight. Johnny Depp's involvement brought crossover appeal from film audiences, and critics noted his genuine musicianship. Joe Perry said of Depp: "There's a laser focus in his eyes" when he plays.

By featuring Christopher Lee's final recording, the band created a poignant connection to rock history. The project also highlighted the Rainbow Bar and Grill's place in music lore, where bands like Led Zeppelin and Mötley Crüe once hung out. [edit]

Hollywood Vampires do not have an official fandom name, lightstick, or fan color, typical for rock supergroups of this nature. Fans are primarily drawn from the individual members' existing fanbases: Alice Cooper's shock rock followers, Aerosmith fans of Joe Perry, and Johnny Depp's movie audience. The band's concerts attract a diverse crowd of classic rock enthusiasts and curious newcomers.

Fan traditions are informal, with many attendees dressing in rock-inspired attire. The band's website and social media channels serve as the primary hub for news and tour updates. There are no documented large-scale fan projects or organized fan events. [edit]

The original Hollywood Vampires drinking club had an initiation ritual: prospective members had to outdrink all existing members. Alice Cooper has been sober for decades despite the band's name, viewing the project as a tribute to fallen friends rather than a celebration of excess.

Johnny Depp was a musician before acting, having played guitar with the band Rock City Angels. Christopher Lee's appearance on the debut album is believed to be his final recorded performance before his death in 2015.

Paul McCartney contributed to the cover of "Come and Get It," a song he originally wrote for Badfinger. The debut album only includes covers where at least one original artist who performed the song is deceased. [edit]