Gay For Johnny Depp

Formed during 2004, the New York-based hardcore/metal outfit Gay for Johnny Depp drew their moniker, lyrics, and promotional tactics directly from the celebrated actor who served as their central muse. The lineup, drawn from earlier groups including Garrison and Instruction, consisted of Sig Jagger on guitar and vocals, Marty Leopard handling vocals, Chelsea Piers on bass, and JJ Samanen behind the drums. Their debut EP, Erotically Charged Dance Songs for the Desperate, arrived in summer 2004, followed by the autumn 2005 release of the second EP, Blood: The Natural Lubricant (An Apocalyptic Adventure Beyond Sodom and Gomorrah). Strong coverage in the U.K. music press led to a slot at the 2006 Download Festival held at Donington Park. Their first full-length album, The Politics of Cruelty, appeared in 2007 accompanied by a press release styled as a fabricated pornographic fan letter addressed to Johnny Depp rather than conventional band details; the approach generated additional media attention. Plans for early the next year called for U.K. touring in territories where the group had already cultivated a substantial audience.