Alice Cooper has expressed high praise for Johnny Depp’s guitar skills, comparing him to renowned guitarists in a recent interview with *Classic Rock*. Cooper addressed the skepticism surrounding Depp’s musicianship, particularly from those who view him primarily as a movie star rather than a serious guitarist.
Cooper’s Praise for Depp
Cooper emphasized that Depp is a highly skilled guitarist, countering the perception that he’s merely a celebrity dabbling in music. He noted:
“People had no idea that Johnny Depp was a great guitar player. They think he’s just a movie star trying to be a guitarist. But he’s played with Jeff Beck and the Stones. You don’t get to jam with those legends unless you know what you’re doing. When you’re in that room with Duff McKagan on bass, Joe Perry on guitar, and Joe Walsh on guitar, you’ve got to hold your own.”
Contrasting Opinions
Despite Cooper’s endorsement, not everyone shares the same view. A&R executive Tom Zutaut, speaking on the *X5 Podcast*, shared a different perspective. He recounted his experience with Depp during auditions:
“Johnny Depp auditioned for me twice. I went to a rehearsal where the manager, a friend of mine, said he had this great band from Jacksonville. I saw them, and they were terrible. Johnny Depp was the worst guitarist I’d ever seen—but his charisma was off the charts.”
Depp’s Musical Credibility
Cooper reaffirmed his belief in Depp’s guitar prowess in another interview, emphasizing that Depp is more than just a movie star when he plays:
“Johnny’s great. When he’s with us, he’s not a movie star—he’s a guitar player. And he’s a great guitarist. You don’t tour with Jeff Beck unless you’re a serious player.”
Depp, who has been playing guitar since he was 12, has been a member of The Hollywood Vampires since 2012, alongside Alice Cooper and Joe Perry. Despite differing opinions, Cooper’s comments reflect his genuine belief in Depp’s musical talent.
