A Resounding Return at London’s O2
The Hollywood Vampires, the rock supergroup featuring Alice Cooper, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, Johnny Depp, and Tommy Henriksen, officially returned to the concert stage on August 12, 2026. The band’s performance at London’s O2 Arena marked their first live appearance in nearly three years, launching a multi-week European tour that is scheduled to continue through early September.
The show was characterized by the band’s signature blend of original material and tributes to rock icons. Opening with “I Want My Now” from their 2019 album Rise, the group moved through a setlist that paid homage to figures including David Bowie, Jeff Beck, and Johnny Thunders. The performance underscored the band’s core identity: serving as a living tribute to the hard-living musicians of the 1970s and beyond.
The Ronnie Wood Cameo
The highlight of the evening occurred during the encore, when Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood joined the band on stage. Wood performed on two tracks: “The Train Kept A-Rollin’” and the Rolling Stones classic “Brown Sugar,” the latter of which featured guest vocals from Imelda May. The collaboration carried significant weight within the rock community, as it paired Wood with Joe Perry—two guitarists whose careers helped define the sound of 1970s rock.
Wood’s appearance was both a professional warmup and a personal gesture. The 79-year-old musician is preparing for his own series of intimate solo shows, his first in over 16 years. His presence with the Hollywood Vampires highlighted the communal nature of the group, which often functions less like a rigid arena production and more like an expansive, star-studded jam session.
Tour Context and Fan Engagement
This 14-date 2026 tour spans the UK and various European countries, concluding in Italy. The tour marks a significant return for the group after a lengthy hiatus. Johnny Depp, whose involvement with the band remains a major draw, continues to attract significant public and media attention. In the UK, his presence frequently results in intense fan activity, reminiscent of his 2022 visit to York, where crowds gathered for hours outside his hotel to catch a glimpse of the actor. This level of public interest remains a constant factor for the tour’s logistics and security teams as the band travels through European cities.
The band concluded their London performance with “Hi Ho Silver Lining,” a final tribute to the late Jeff Beck, reinforcing the group’s commitment to honoring rock history as they continue their journey across the continent.