Depp leaves trial travails behind to rock out in the UK
HE IS in the middle of one of Hollywood’s most toxic legal battles and could find himself facing a bill of $100million in a matter of days.
But when a US jury delivers its verdict on the case, Johnny Depp will be rocking on the other side of the world.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the actor has embarked on a surprise music tour of the UK, just days after evidence concluded in his defamation case against Amber Heard, his ex-wife.
In a plot twist that has blindsided venues and delighted his fans, Depp is planning to join Jeff Beck, the veteran rock guitarist, for the remainder of his concert dates in the UK.
It means the Pirates of the Caribbean star will probably miss the climax of his court battle to instead appear on stage in places such as Manchester, York, Birmingham and Gateshead.
Jurors in the case are to continue their deliberations today, and the stakes could scarcely be higher for Depp, 58, who has sued Heard, 36, for $50 million (£39 million), only for her to countersue him for $100 million (£79 million).
His planned cameos in the UK are already causing a security headache for the host venues, which face having to contend with both die-hard fans of Depp and supporters of Heard, who could protest outside.
The febrile atmosphere is a consequence of a defamation trial that has sharply divided public opinion and built up vocal – but fiercely opposed – support bases behind both actors.
The Telegraph has learnt that the Royal Albert Hall in London, where Beck is due to play twice this week, chose to increase security measures after learning that Depp would be in attendance for both shows.
The venue took steps to increase its outdoor security after concerns were raised that fans could try to mob the stage door.
Despite the short notice of Depp’s surprise visit, fans thronged outside the hall last night for a chance to see the Hollywood star.
Zoe Cole, 36, who was visiting London with her 16-year-old daughter, had been waiting outside the venue for four hours. Ms Cole said they weren’t “die hard” fans but, as she looked around, she said: “You’re not going to see Amber Heard fans, are you?”
Jess and Lauren, two 20-year-old students, who had been waiting outside for six hours, said they would wait “another 10 minutes” to catch a glimpse of the actor. A security guard with Depp’s entourage told fans that the star was not coming out until after his performance.
Faced with a further five-hour wait, some of the less committed fans peeled away. “Why did they all leave?” one fan said shortly afterwards. “Because they heard he was already inside,” said another.
“Well, they’re rookies. He’s got to leave at some point,” the other replied.
At 7.15pm, traffic cones were cleared for a Mercedes-benz to drive up to a side entrance of the hall. Expectant Depp fans took out their phones to what was, in the end, a false alarm.
Out of the car came a smiling and somewhat bemused Sir Tom Jones.