Some huge stars have visited Birmingham over the years, but not many bigger than Hollywood star Johnny Depp.
The Pirates of the Caribbean actor remains one of the world’s most famous faces and he has been in Birmingham relatively recently. Depp was in the West Midlands in the summer when he took to the stage at the Uilita Arena with his celebrity band Hollywood Vampires.
He was also in the city just a few months earlier while on tour with guitarist and friend Jeff Beck. During his time in the city he was spotted at hotels and ate at a local restaurant.
Let’s take a look at the Birmingham places he visited during his time in the city.
1. The Grand Hotel
During his visit to the city in 2022 when he played with Jeff Beck, Depp was spotted leaving the Grand Hotel on Chruch Street. Fans and press quickly descended on the street to catch a glimpse of the Charlotte and the Chocolate factory actor. It was the same venue where Tom Cruise stayed the year before.
2. Johnny Depp at Varanasi restaurant, Broad Stret
Depp made it a night to remember in the city by hiring out an entire curry house for a slap-up £50,000 meal on Broad Street. He went to Varanasi on Broad Street. Varanasi owner Mohammed Hussain said the 58-year-old enjoyed the food so much he ordered the same again, took it back to his hotel room and left a "large tip". Depp spent around three hours at Varanasi, which can cater for 400 people, mingling and talking to staff members said. Mr Hussain. "It was all very much out of the blue and last minute," he said."They came in through a secret entrance and we sat them in a private room I won’t disclose how much it cost but the figures I have seen £50,000 are not far off the mark at all.” He added: "They spent a lot of money, it’s a big venue to hire out, but they never even looked at the bill. He gave a large tip "He was very humble and quietly spoken. He came across as a gentleman and had time for all my friends and family and all the staff. "He’s just such a nice guy, he just came over and hugged people. He just showed everyone lots of affection."
3. Symphony Hall
Depp took the stage with Jeff Beck during the late English guitarist's show at Symphony Hall. Stephen Graham was also at the gig. The show was a sell out with Depp being confirmed to appear just last week after he won his multi-million defamation lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard.
4. The Utilita Arena
Depp returned to Birmingham just a year later with his band the Hollywood Vampires. The celebrity supergroup includes Alice Cooper and Joe Perry. The band were even joined by Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi for the show. Photo: David Jackson