Johnny Depp and Rod Stewart teamed up to perform for a private benefit concert aimed at raising $300,000 for Celia Hammond’s cat and kitten rescue.
The fundraising initiative took place back in February 2024, when singer Rod Stewart and Hollywood icon Johnny Depp performed a memorable set in London. The legendary duo played some of Stewart’s greatest hits, such as “Maggie May,” “Forever Young,” and “The First Cut is the Deepest.”
Sixties supermodel Celia, now 81, hosted the evening at the luxury Ned Hotel in Bank, with attendees bidding for a ticket last June at Mark Aldridge’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic event.
The cat charity was set up by the 1960s supermodel nearly 40 years ago to both provide care for cats and kittens and also offer neutering to cat and dog owners to help keep numbers down in a humane way.
‘Celia’s devotion and commitment to protecting vulnerable and neglected animals is beyond admirable,’ Depp told media at the event.
‘I’m so glad to be part of the evening’s success, and with the added bonus of playing alongside my friend, Sir Rod Stewart.’
As for Sir Rod, he ‘couldn’t be happier’ to help raise awareness and funds for the vital work that the Celia Hammond Animal Trust charity does for vulnerable and unwanted animals.
‘I’m thrilled to perform at this most intimate event this weekend with fellow musician, Johnny Depp.’
Depp, 61, and Sir Rod, 80, previously joined forces to perform at two concerts in memory of legendary rock guitarist Jeff Beck – who dated Hammond – at the Royal Albert Hall in May 2023.
Rod Stewart remained friendly with Hammond and even became a patron of one of her animal shelters as part of the Celia Hammond Animal Trust.
Rod Stewart is well known for his support for a number of good causes, with his 2016 knighthood being in recognition of his services to both music and charity.
The $300,000 raised will be used to help sick or injured animals whose owners can’t afford to treat them, or do not qualify for help from major charities.
The former supermodel said: ‘I cannot thank Sir Rod Stewart and Johnny Depp enough and of course, Mark Aldridge for creating such a magical experience for us.
‘We are blown away by the support we have received which was desperately needed for us to continue our important animal rescue work.’
It’s light years from her modelling days, when she travelled the world with fellow beauties Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy. Hammond has dedicated the last four decades to raising money and caring for unwanted, abandoned, stray, and feral cats, a remarkable achievement that reflects his unwavering commitment to animal welfare and compassion for those in need.
