Whole Lotta Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning “Whole Lotta Love” by The Hollywood Vampires, a cover of the iconic Led Zeppelin track, from their self-titled debut album released in 2015. This rendition stands out with its unique twist, featuring a slower tempo, a strings section, and a harmonica, giving it a distinct flavor compared to the original. The vocals are shared by Alice Cooper and AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, with the track picking up energy as it progresses into the chorus. According to a 2015 mxdwn Music post, the cover maintains the rhythmic guitar and percussion of Led Zeppelin’s version but adds these fresh elements, earning praise for honoring the legendary track while making it their own. All proceeds from the album, including this song, went to MusiCares, a charity supporting musicians’ financial, medical, and personal needs.

Another notable moment for this track came during The Hollywood Vampires’ live performances. In 2016, at Hollywood’s Roxy Theatre, pop star Kesha joined the band onstage for a fiery rendition of “Whole Lotta Love.” As reported by Rolling Stone, Kesha, dressed in a long-tail jacket and high heels, delivered powerful vocals, belting out the verses with intensity before stepping back during the guitar solos. She later returned for an all-star performance of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out,” alongside Tom Morello, Perry Farrell, and Zak Starkey. This performance highlighted the song’s versatility and the band’s ability to bring together diverse artists for a memorable show. Social media buzz from the band’s official X account in September 2015 also hyped the track, sharing a link to NME’s feature on their cover, showing their pride in reinterpreting this classic.

The Hollywood Vampires formed in 2015 as a supergroup led by Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, with a mission to pay tribute to rock stars who died from excess in the 1970s. The band’s name comes from a celebrity drinking club Cooper founded in the 1970s at Hollywood’s Rainbow Bar & Grill, which included members like Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, and Harry Nilsson. As Cooper explained in a 2015 Wikipedia entry, the group aimed to honor his “dead, drunk friends” by covering songs from that era, with “Whole Lotta Love” fitting the early ’70s vibe perfectly. Their debut album featured an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Slash, and the late Christopher Lee, whose spoken word piece “The Last Vampire” opened the record. The band’s chemistry, described by LA Weekly as “crisp and tight,” was evident from their first performances, blending their star power with a genuine love for classic rock.

The origins of The Hollywood Vampires trace back to Cooper’s long-standing tradition of performing cover songs at his shows to honor his drinking buddies from the original Hollywood Vampires club. The idea for a full album came when Cooper, Depp, and Perry decided to create a project that captured the spirit of that era. Johnny Depp, known primarily as an actor, brought his lesser-known but passionate musicianship to the group, having played guitar for years. Joe Perry, already a rock legend with Aerosmith, and Cooper, the shock-rock pioneer, rounded out the core trio. Producer Bob Ezrin helped bring their vision to life, and the recording sessions became a gathering of rock royalty, as noted in a 2016 Hollywood Vampires news post. Their commitment to the project was clear in their serious approach to the music, despite the fun, party-like atmosphere of their live shows.

Fans can connect with The Hollywood Vampires through their official website, where they share tour dates, news, and videos, or follow them on social media for updates. Their Facebook page and Instagram account offer behind-the-scenes glimpses, concert photos, and promotional content, while their X account engages with fans through posts about their music and performances. For dedicated supporters, fan communities like the Hollywood Vampires Fans Facebook group provide a space for Zoo Freaks and others to discuss the band, share concert experiences, and celebrate their music. These platforms keep the spirit of the Vampires alive, connecting their audience with the raw, nostalgic energy of their rock ‘n’ roll tributes.