Fans queued all day to see Hollywood’s Johnny Depp in York

Fans may recall the summer night in 2022 when York became the setting for a full-scale fan frenzy.

The Hollywood Vampires play Scarborough Open Air Theatre this evening, Saturday, August 15. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

The celebrity was in the city to play a sell-out York Barbican show with guitar legend Jeff Beck, just days after winning his US defamation lawsuit against his former wife, Amber Heard.

Depp and Beck had previously collaborated on a version of John Lennon’s Isolation, released in 2020, and their York concert formed part of their UK tour.

Johnny Depp signed autographs outside York Barbican in York when he performed in the city in 2022. (Image: Picture Katie Masiak)

But, for many, the biggest event happened outside the venue.

Long before the concert finished, fans had gathered outside the Barbican to try and catch sight of the Pirates of the Caribbean star.

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Some had arrived early, while others waited for hours behind security barriers after the show, clutching photos, posters, and memorabilia in the hope of getting an autograph.

A fan waiting to catch sight of Johnny Depp outside York Barbican back in 2022. (Image: Submitted)

Among them were Captain Jack Sparrow lookalikes in honour of the actor who made the swashbuckling pirate one of cinema’s most recognisable characters.

For brothers Toby, then 11, and Rhiece Rhodes, then 23, the day turned into an experience they said they’d never forget.

Johnny Depp seen stepping out of the Principal Hotel in York during his 2022 visit to York. (Image: Submitted)

The family, from Queensbury near Bradford, saw Depp’s tour bus outside the Principal Hotel, where the actor had been staying.

Toby had bought chocolates and a birthday card for Depp using his pocket money.

After the family spoke to a security guard, Toby was unexpectedly given the chance to hand the gifts over himself.

Depp told the young fan he was “the sweetest,” shaking his hand and posing for a photograph.

Ruby, then 11, from York, with two Captain Jack Sparrow lookalikes, while waiting to see Pirates of the Carribean star Johnny Depp in York in 2022. (Image: Picture Katie Masiak)

York fan Katie Masiak and her daughter Ruby, then 11, arrived at around 8pm to secure a good spot.

The crowd grew to about 300 people, including fans who had travelled from far and wide.

Depp emerged shortly before midnight, just ahead of his 59th birthday.

The crowd broke into a rendition of Happy Birthday, while he blew a kiss towards the waiting fans.

Katie recalled a packed and noisy scene, with people pushing forward in their excitement.

Ruby also had her own pirate-themed souvenir after getting an autograph from one of the Captain Jack Sparrow lookalikes.

Fans queued all day to see Hollywood’s Johnny Depp in York in 2022 – including Fan Nick Hale who had been waiting for hours. (Image: Picture Nick Hale)

Another fan, Nick Hale, had been trying to catch sight of Depp since 10am.

When the actor left at around 11.40pm, he was among those who managed to get close enough for a signature on his guitar.

Johnny Depp signed Nick Hale’s guitar while greeting fans outside York Barbican in 2022. Picture Nick Hale (Image: Picture Nick Hale)

Amanda Monaghan, of Thor’s, whose SOL AST bar had opened in the grounds of the Principal Hotel (now the Milner), was working at the tipi when he arrived.

She said she realised something was happening when fans started to arrive.

“He came out with his entourage, and was a lovely guy.

“He spent lots of time with fans; there were lots of children there and people who had travelled from all over.

“It was really exciting for something like that to happen in York – a superstar!”

Super fan Lucy Brumby with Hollywood star Johnny Depp in 2022. (Image: Picture Lucy Brumby)

Amanda’s colleague, Lucy Brumby, confessed to being a super fan since childhood, and was delighted to meet her idol outside the Principal.

“It is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” she said, after having a selfie taken with him.

“You never know you are going to meet these people. He is a Hollywood superstar. He lives in America. And here he is staying at the Principal Hotel in York. It was amazing.”