Backstage at London’s iconic O2 Arena, a remarkable convergence of rock legends occurred in 2022—a moment etched in the annals of music history. Rob Halford, the commanding frontman of Judas Priest and universally hailed as the “Metal God,” had just delivered a thunderous set, his signature banshee wail and leather-clad authority captivating thousands. Since the band’s groundbreaking debut *Rocka Rolla* in 1974, Halford has been a defining force in heavy metal, his voice shaping the genre’s sound and ethos for nearly five decades.
Beside him stood Johnny Depp, more than just a Hollywood icon. In recent years, Depp has proven himself a serious musician through his role in the supergroup Hollywood Vampires, performing alongside legends like Alice Cooper and Joe Perry. Far from a novelty act, Depp has toured internationally, channeling the raw spirit of classic rock through searing guitar solos and a deep reverence for the genre’s roots.
Completing the trio was Dennis Dunaway, the original bassist and co-founder of the Alice Cooper Group. A true architect of shock rock, Dunaway’s presence carried the weight of music history. As a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, his thunderous basslines and theatrical flair helped propel songs like “School’s Out” and “I’m Eighteen” into rebellious anthems that defined a generation.
This backstage encounter was more than a casual meet-and-greet—it was a crossroads of eras, styles, and legacies. Each man brought with him decades of influence, innovation, and unapologetic attitude. It was a fleeting but powerful tableau: a celebration of rebellion, camaraderie, and the enduring power of rock ’n’ roll to unite icons across genera
tions.