The term ‘supergroup’ is often overused, but if ever a band deserved the moniker, it is Hollywood Vampires. The name has its origins in a drinking club created by Alice Cooper in the 70s; it became the perfect name as Cooper, joined by Joe Perry, Johnny Depp and numerous guests issued a titular album in 2015 to commemorate friends that passed under the influence of drink and/or drugs. That debut was a rare thing indeed, a covers album that did justice to the originals in a new and rewarding way. It did have three originals too. The second album had more originals and only three covers but was released after this recording and so, unfortunately, doesn’t feature here.
The studio excellence transfers well to their live set, it is something to behold on a live recording from 2015 at the Rock In Rio festival, imaginatively titled Live In Rio. It delivers fourteen tracks of quality, performed with a feel of a party we’re all invited to.
The festivities start with a rousing version of one of the originals from their debut ’Raise The Dead’ leading us nicely into a very solid set. Highlights have to be the heavy, punk laced ‘My Generation’. the excellent ‘7 and 7 Is’ played at a frantic pace. My favourite has to be their oh-so-clever interpretation of ‘Jeepster.’
There are also great versions of Cooper’s ‘School’s Out’ which, as in the studio, interpolates ‘Another Brick In The Wall’ as well as ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ and Aerosmith’s take (but heavier) on the classic ‘Train Kept a-Rollin’’ leading to the closing genius interpretation of ‘Brown Sugar.’
I haven’t seen the accompanying DVD yet, but it will be worth the wait, it surely captures a class assembly of musicians having a ball and involving every member of the 100,000 audience in a superb concert.
Fans of any of the performers or the originals will love this and the Johnny Depp detractors will be served lashings of humble pie.
Live In Rio is out on 2nd June on CD and Blu-ray. Hollywood Vampires tour Europe in June/July 2023.