Hear Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp’s Gritty ‘My Generation’
Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and some of their closest friends, all of whom perform here under the group name Hollywood Vampires, have unveiled the first official streaming track from their self-titled debut: an especially raw rendition of the Who’s “My Generation.” Cooper’s gruff vocals and Depp and second guitarist Tommy Henriksen’s chunky riffing give the classic tune a harder edge. Anchoring the cover are bassist Bruce Witkin, who played in Depp’s old band the Kids, and drummer Zak Starkey, who, in addition to being Ringo Starr’s son, also tours with the Who.
The song will appear on Hollywood Vampires, which comes out on September 11th, and features a core trio of Cooper, Depp and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry playing mostly cover songs. The supergroup’s name alludes to Cooper’s old drinking club, which also included Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson and Keith Moon. And the record’s track list features tunes by those musicians and Cooper’s peers, such as Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” the Doors’ “Break on Through” and Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2).”
A number of notable special guests also make appearances on the record. Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Slash, Joe Walsh, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, late horror icon Christopher Lee and Doors guitarist Robby Krieger, among others, all contributed to the album, which also features two original songs, “Raise the Dead” and “Dead Drunk Friends.”
Hollywood Vampires will make their live debut with a pair of gigs at storied Sunset Strip outpost the Roxy on September 16th and 17th. Those will be the group’s only U.S. shows, after which they’ll depart for an appearance at Brazil’s Rock in Rio festival on September 24th. Tickets for the gigs are on sale now.