Johnny Depp linked up with Sir Rod Stewart on stage as they put on another collab and raised plenty of money in the process.
The stars joined forces to raise money for Celia Hammond’s Animal Trust this weekend and wowed an audience in London. Helping raise almost £250,000 to support the rescue stray cats and kittens, they backed their pal, 81-year-old former model Celia, at the plush Ned Hotel in Bank.
Keeping their union quiet, the actor and rocker thrilled the small crowd before auctioning off items to keep the cash coming in. Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny showed off his skills on the guitar and Sir Rod, 79, belted out the tunes including Maggi May, Forever Young and First Cut is the Deepest.
The private charity event went down a storm as the pals reunited after appearing together in memory of legendary rock musician Jeff Beck at the Royal Albert Hall last year. Celia started the charity almost 40 years ago and she has dedicated her life to the welfare of animals ever since.
“Celia’s devotion and commitment to protecting vulnerable and neglected animals is beyond admirable,” the legendary actor, 60, told DailyMail.com. “I’m so glad to be part of the evening’s success, and with the added bonus of playing alongside my friend, Sir Rod Stewart.”
Johnny was reportedly the only person permitted to Jeff’s private burial, alongside his widow Sandra and the couple’s dog. The intimate gathering happened at the beginning of last year, following his shock death on 10 January following his brave battle with meningitis.
The quiet burial followed a funeral the day before, which was reportedly attended by fellow musicians including Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, Sir Rod and Ronnie Wood.
The pals were touring just 18 weeks before Beck passed away at home, with the musician’s website describing the duo as “musical soulmates” as it was revealed the pair had been “working behind-the-scenes for the past several years on new music”. The pair also released an official music video for track This Is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr, their album’s first single.
At the time, Johnny revealed: “It’s an extraordinary honour to play and write music with Jeff, one of the true greats and someone I am now privileged enough to call my brother.” Jeff was equally as complimentary of Johnny, saying: “I haven’t had another creative partner like him for ages.”