The rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires—comprising shock-rock icon Alice Cooper, Aerosmith’s legendary guitarist Joe Perry, and actor Johnny Depp—delivered a spectacular show in Zürich, Switzerland, on July 3, 2018. During their performance at the Hallenstadion, their heartfelt and muscular cover of David Bowie’s anthem, “Heroes,” proved a standout moment, powerfully showcasing Depp’s serious musical credentials.
Data Point: A Star-Studded Zürich Performance
The July 3, 2018 concert was part of the Hollywood Vampires’ European tour, supporting their self-titled debut album. The show fused the distinct styles of its three headliners:
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Alice Cooper: Delivered his signature theatrical menace and raw, cutting vocals.
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Joe Perry: Provided the blistering, bluesy grit and six-string sorcery, reminiscent of his work with Aerosmith.
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Johnny Depp: Not just a stage presence, Depp proved his musical chops by strumming guitar alongside Perry and contributing backing and lead harmonies, adding an unexpected layer of star power.
The Song: “Heroes” as a “Declaration”
The choice of David Bowie’s classic “Heroes”—a song about fleeting triumph and human resilience—elevated the performance beyond a typical rock concert.
The Hollywood Vampires stripped the track down to its emotional core before building it into a soaring rock epic. The fan-recorded footage captured the emotional climax of the performance where Depp and Perry’s harmonies soared during the chorus, blending with Cooper’s theatrical delivery, creating a moment that felt like a powerful “declaration” to the Swiss audience.
Related Notable Event: The Group’s Legacy and Mission
The Hollywood Vampires were originally formed in 2015 with a mission that directly ties into the tribute paid at the Zürich show.
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Formation Purpose: The group was conceived as a tribute band to honor the “fallen heroes” of the 1970s L.A. rock scene—many of whom passed away due to excess and addiction. The band name itself is a nod to the infamous celebrity drinking club that Alice Cooper co-founded in the 1970s at The Rainbow Bar & Grill.
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Tribute Focus: Their debut studio album, Hollywood Vampires (2015), largely consisted of covers of songs by artists who died partially due to alcohol abuse in the 1970s, including David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and Jimi Hendrix.
The 2018 performance in Zürich thus reinforced the band’s core mission: channeling the legacy of rock’s greats, like David Bowie, through a powerful blend of chaos, celebration, and seasoned musical talent, proving that Depp’s place in the supergroup is anything but a gimmick.