Johnny Depp joins Aerosmith for surprise appearance at star-studded show - The Independent
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Johnny Depp was among the surprise guests as Aerosmith headlined the Hollywood Bowl last night.
The 63-year-old actor has returned to increased prominence in the years following his explosive legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard. His first big-budget film production since the case, Paramount’s Ebenezer, will arrive in movie theaters next month.
At last night’s “California, Dream On: Aerosmith and Friends” concert, 76-year-old guitarist Joe Perry introduced his Hollywood Vampires bandmate as “here, in living colour.”
The Edward Scissorhands star was greeted with huge cheers before playing guitar on “Train Kept A‑Rollin’”, to much applause.
That cameo appearance came before the final performance of the night, “Walk This Way”.
There were several other surprise guests on the night: Foo Fighters and Nirvana legend Dave Grohl, 57, was on drums for much of the show.
The band’s frontman Steven Tyler, 78, was also joined by his daughter, Liv Tyler, 49, and actress Alicia Silverstone, 50, who walked onstage after their 1994 video for “Crazy” was played on giant screens.
Liv joked: “That was us in the video, in case you didn’t know,” before Silverstone added: “Liv, we were just little babies. And tonight we brought our little babies. And Liv is the actual baby of Steven Tyler.” Liv looked out at the crowd and asked: “Are we dreaming? Is this real? How great is this?”
Elsewhere, Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson, 76 and 72, respectively, delivered one of the evening's standout moments. Ann teased: “Who says Aerosmith never did any good covers?” before belting out “Never Loved a Girl”, Aerosmith’s version of the Aretha Franklin classic. They also put their own spin on 1989's “Janie’s Got a Gun.”
The Black Crowes also paid tribute, with frontman Chris Robinson, 59, recalling how Aerosmith supported them early on by taking them on their first arena tour. He said: “Besides loving the band, we’re grateful for that.”
Addressing the crowd before they exited the stage, Tyler said: “Before we say good night, I just want to say what a ride it's been with my brothers. It’s been 55 years. And we’re the same band that started 55 and a half years ago.”
Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose and Slash played their own set and tipped the hat by performing Aerosmith’s “Nobody’s Fault”, “Last Child” and “Seasons of Wither”, alongside their own “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City.”
Aerosmith return for a second Hollywood Bowl show on Sunday, November 1. The band retired from full-time touring last year, citing concerns over Tyler’s health.
Additional reporting by Bang Media.
