Is there a more rock star actor than Johnny Depp? Aerosmith vocalist Steven Tyler called him as much during last night’s MTV Music Awards, honouring Depp for his “gutsiness as an artist” before the guitarist/actor jammed with the Black Keys onstage.
Depp, who took home the special ‘Generation Award’, whipped through a two-song set with the blues rock duo, playing guitar on their hits, “Gold On the Ceiling” and “Lonely Boy” taking on the role of ‘cool backing player’ to frontman Dan Auerbach.
It was easily the most rock n’ roll moment of a ceremony that included a performance from fun.’s Janelle Monae-featuring “We Are Young”, as well as an award for LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” due to its appearance in 21 Jump Street.
It’s not the first time Depp has slung on the axe in the name of boosting his muso street-cred. Earlier this year he was recording and appearing on stage with Marilyn Manson, has previously played with shock rock godfather Alice Cooper. Not to mention appearing at gigs with bearded Texans ZZ Top, with burly Pogue, Shane McGowan and providing slide guitar on Oasis’ Be Here Now track, “Fade In-Fade Out.”
Oh, and he provided narration for a documentary on The Doors, and counts Keith Richards amongst his closest friends, who he famously channelled for his performance as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Did you get all that?
Meanwhile in related news, The Black Keys are set to cross over into Depp’s territory, as part of an upcoming rockumentary touted as a ‘comedy bromance.’
You can watch footage of Depp tearing it up with the Akron, Ohio pair at the MTV Awards below:
