The Kids 1978-1984 

in the '80s', he joined a band called 'The Kids', which had started earlier under the name 'The Kidz in the 1978s. The lineup at the time consistet of Bruce Witkin, Bill Hanti, Mitch Brownstein and Gio Ardizzola. Before Johnny joined the band, there were several changes of guitarists. 

In a radio interview with Steve Jones on June 27, 2016, Johnny revealed that after auditioning for 'The Kids', he became their lighting technician for about a week, which gave him the opportunity to learn the songs. Shortly after, he joined the band as lead guitarist. The lineup at that time (Bruce, Bill, Mitch and Johnny) was the most stable and successful.

Especially in Florida, the band was able to achieve some small successes and make a name for themselves, but the big breakthrough failed. In search of success and a record deal, the musicians went to LA and changed their name to 'Six Gun Method'.

However, even before a contract was signed, the band broke up in July 1984. Some reasons for this were Johnny's role in 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' and the departures of several band members. According to Randi Reisfeld's biography 1989, Johnny is said to have written following songs by the Kids:

• Everything I need

• Backdoor Girl

• Nothin' for Nothin' 

Over the years, the members have reunited several times, such as during the filming of 'Donnie Brasco' in 1996, in LA in 2002, or for the 'Sheila Witkin Reunion Memorial Concert' in Pompano Beach, Florida in 2007 and 2008.

(Jill- Oct. 2023)  

Rock City Angels - 1987 

in 1987, Johnny Depp joined the Rock City Angels. “Initially when they told me he was an actor I didn’t even want to see the guy,”  Rock City Angels-drummer Ringo Jukes remembers in a interview with Loudersound. “I was like, ‘Oh, another fucking actor.’ When you live in Los Angeles you get sick of those bastards. I didn’t buy into him at all. But after two rehearsals he really impressed me. He really played some cool, outside shit on his guitar.”

However, since he was now a "full-time" actor, he left the band again after about half a year to devote himself fully to acting.

Nevertheless, the band released the song "Mary", which Johnny had co-written, on their debut album.

Banner photo: Suzanne Allison (middle), Credit to the owner (left and right)