The Hollywood Vampires Visit Dracula’s Castle With Tim Burton and ‘Really Happy’ Johnny Depp

Contrary to recent reports that Johnny Depp was an “emotional mess,” fans of Depp will be happy to know that those who just saw and interacted with the talented actor describe him as looking “really happy.” Johnny Depp has been enjoying the warm welcome from fans, as well as embracing Europe with the talented musicians in the Hollywood Vampires.

After a couple of weeks that would have sucked the life out of anyone else, the Dark Shadows actor has been enjoying the completion of the Hollywood Vampires European leg of their world tour with an extended visit to Dracula’s Castle. The stop was just a couple of days before their final show in Romania. Tagging along with the band was Depp’s long-time collaborator, director, writer, and good friend, Tim Burton.

It appears that this tour was unintentionally well-timed. Depp is halfway around the world, far from the crazy tabloid speculation and abuse allegations, Johnny has been allowed to spend his time working and socializing, instead of dealing with serious drama with Amber Heard.

After spending years living in France, avoiding any public drama, Depp has now in the midst of drama-overload. This all began two weeks ago with the death of Johnny’s mother, Betty Sue Palmer. Before he could properly mourn his mom, his actress wife of just over a year filed for divorce.

On the day his recent movie Alice Through The Looking Glass was released in the states, Amber Heard released shocking photos alleging physical abuse by Depp. Then more drama as the movie was considered a flop and Depp’s reputation questioned. His millions of fans have been in shock. The recent news from overseas should make the fans feel quite a bit better. This is the Johnny we know and love!

According to People Magazine, who interviewed Romanian blogger Ionut Bunescu, a fan in attendances at the final show in Romania, he described Johnny Depp as “really happy.” Bunescu explained that Depp charmed fans, giving them guitar picks and scarves.

“Johnny thanked [fans] in Romanian, which the crowd really enjoyed. The crowd was screaming with joy. There was lots of clapping and cheering. He also thanked [fans] a lot in English and said that he loves us. He seemed really happy all the time, he smiled a lot, and threw guitar picks and his scarves into the crowd.”

Johnny Depp, classic shock-rocker Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry are the three biggest Hollywood Vampire names on a tour of seasoned musicians. Yet, the rotating band members of this supergroup has original roots in the ’70s.

The Hollywood Vampires were initially named after Alice Cooper’s musical friends. This squad hung out and drank together at the legendary Sunset Strip bar called the Rainbow Room. Original members of the Hollywood Vampires included such rock legends as John Lennon, iconic Who drummer and crazy man Keith Moon, Mickey Dolenz from the Monkeys, Elton John songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, and everyone’s friend and drinking companion, the silly “Coconut” and dramatic “Without You” singer/songwriter, the incomparable Harry Nilsson.

Alice Cooper spoke to the entertaining podcast, the Dinner Party Download, about all of the places that the Hollywood Vampires would meet and why they finally decided to record an album of mostly cover songs.

“Well, in New York it was Max’s Kansas City — that was the place. And London it was Tramps. And then Los Angeles it was the Rainbow, and it was just sort of a drinking club, you know? And it was all guys that just happened to be at the top of their game at the time. So every night we’d get there, and there’d be Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon, if John Lennon was in town, he would come with Harry Nilsson … Micky Dolenz, Bernie Taupin, the same guys almost every night. And then we just kind of said, ‘Boy, everybody died. Why don’t we do an album just kind of like, to tip our hats?’ “

While it may appear that Tim Burton joined the Hollywood Vampires to support Johnny, or maybe enjoy a few tunes, he was actually there to film the band at Dracula’s Castle, which is officially named Bran Castle. Fans attending the Hollywood Vampire shows in the states the first half of July will be treated to the spectacular footage.

The Hollywood Vampires tour ended with a surprise birthday cake for Johnny, who turns 53 on June 9. By his actual birthday, he will return to the States and back in the midst of the ever-increasing Amber Heard accusations.

Are you planning on seeing the Hollywood Vampires on Tour?

[Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images]