Hollywood Vampires takes RiverEdge Park by storm

Photo by Thomas J. King

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

Individually, the members of Hollywood Vampires - actor Johnny Depp, singer Alice Cooper and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry - long ago solidified their ability to capture and entertain an audience.

Collectively, the three of them took their skills at entertaining to a whole new level during Hollywood Vampires' show on July 7 at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.

The show was a loving tribute to some of the band's musical heroes, including David Bowie. They praised the artist, who died earlier this year, the best way they could - by turning in raucous versions "Rebel Rebel" and Suffragette City."

There was no let up in the energy level, as the band turned in equally ferocious versions of The Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Manic Depression" and The Doors' "Five to One/Break On Through (to the Other Side)."

Perry took over from Cooper on lead vocals as he stormed through the Fleetwood Mac song "Stop Messin' Around," a song that Aerosmith had covered.

Hollywood Vampires' name is a nod to the The Hollywood Vampires, a celebrity drinking club formed by Cooper in the 1970s whose members included the late John Lennon and Keith Moon. Cooper pays tribute to his late drinking buddies on the song "My Dead Drunk Friends."

The band only got more energetic as the night went on, culminating in a fierce version of Cooper's trademark anthem, "School's Out."

A great night of music, indeed.

Hollywood Vampires performed "School's Out" on July 7 at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.

Hollywood Vampires performed "Sweet Emotion" on July 7 at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.
 

 

Hollywood Vampires performed "Five To One / Break On Through (To The Other Side)" on July 7 at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.