Hollywood Vampires Bring Rock Legends Back to Life in Electrifying Berlin Show

During their explosive performance in Berlin on June 28, 2023, Hollywood Vampires delivered a night that felt like stepping into rock and roll’s gothic cathedral. With Alice Cooper commanding the stage like a high priest of shock, Johnny Depp wielding his guitar like a weapon of soul, and Joe Perry breathing fire through every solo, the trio transformed the crowd into a pulsing wave of nostalgia, rebellion, and pure sonic joy.

The show opened with a gritty, amped-up cover of “I Want My Now,” immediately setting the tone for a night of electrifying energy. The crowd, packed wall to wall under the open summer sky, roared as the band launched into the track, a bold original that channels the snarling spirit of ‘70s rock with a modern bite.

Alice Cooper, dressed in his trademark black leather and blood-red accents, played the perfect ringmaster, gesturing theatrically as he growled through verses. His voice—still sharp and menacing—cut through the riffs like a dagger, drawing fans into the dark carnival that is Hollywood Vampires.

Johnny Depp was far from just a celebrity guest. Standing center stage with a Telecaster slung low, he proved himself a genuine musician. His guitar tone was gritty and blues-soaked, weaving beautifully with Joe Perry’s screaming leads. The crowd visibly leaned in when Depp stepped to the mic for a heartfelt rendition of David Bowie’s “Heroes,” a moment that brought more than a few in the audience to tears.

Joe Perry, a rock deity in his own right, owned every inch of the stage. His solo during “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory” was blistering and soulful, equal parts tribute and declaration. Watching him and Depp trade guitar lines was like watching two generations of rebellion collide in harmony.

As the set continued, the band moved through a carefully curated mix of originals and covers. They tore into “People Who Died” with a wild, almost punk fury, then pivoted to the smooth, haunting “My Dead Drunk Friends,” a fan favorite that had the audience swaying arm in arm.

The Berlin crowd reached a fever pitch when Cooper introduced their cover of The Doors’ “Five to One.” The stomping beat and swaggering delivery had everyone chanting along, beer cups raised high. It was a reminder that Hollywood Vampires wasn’t just a supergroup—it was a living tribute to the ghosts of rock.

Between songs, Cooper bantered with the audience, occasionally introducing tracks by calling out the legends they honored—John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Lemmy. Each dedication brought a cheer, and each performance added to the sense that the band was carrying a sacred flame.

One of the night’s most powerful moments came with “The Boogieman Surprise,” a thunderous original that turned the stage into a storm. The synergy between the band members during this track was mesmerizing, showing off not only their talent but their deep bond as performers and friends.

The band’s chemistry was especially clear during their cover of “Baba O’Riley.” Depp’s rhythm guitar anchored Perry’s explosive riffs, while Cooper belted out the lyrics with a mix of reverence and danger. The lights pulsed with the beat, casting the crowd in waves of red and blue.

A touching moment came when Depp dedicated “Heroes” to the people of Ukraine, turning the song into a universal cry for strength and unity. The Berlin audience, visibly moved, sang every word back with fervor. It was a reminder that music can unite across boundaries, even in times of darkness.

Visually, the show was a spectacle. From smoke machines and laser lights to gothic backdrops and vintage mic stands, the stage was part haunted mansion, part rock altar. Every detail fed into the band’s theatrical vibe—one that felt more like a ritual than a concert.

As the night wore on, the energy never dipped. The band’s encore began with a pounding cover of “Train Kept A-Rollin’,” originally by Tiny Bradshaw and later made famous by Aerosmith. Perry shredded through the intro as Cooper leaned into the chaos, leading the charge.

By the time they ended the show with “School’s Out,” blending it with Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall,” the entire audience had become part of the performance. Thousands of voices joined in the anthem, fists pumping in time, a full-circle moment that tied youth, memory, and rebellion into one epic farewell.

Hollywood Vampires’ Berlin 2023 performance wasn’t just a show—it was a celebration of rock’s past, present, and future. For a few hours under the night sky, the legends walked again, guitars wailed like sirens, and the crowd, fully alive in the music, became part of something timeless.