Tommy Henriksen joined Loudwire Nights on Wednesday, Oct. 28, to discuss his work across multiple bands, including Alice Cooper’s band, the Hollywood Vampires, and his own project, Crossbone Skully, Loudwire reported. The musician detailed a busy recording schedule for the Hollywood Vampires’ upcoming record alongside a January 29 release date for Crossbone Skully’s sophomore album, Condemned to Rock n’ Roll, via earMUSIC.
Crossbone Skully’s 14-track sophomore release features a guest appearance from Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen on the single “Thunder Love,” alongside production contributions from Robert John “Mutt” Lange, Mike Plotnikoff, Olle Romo, Howie Weinberg, and Jay Ruston. The album follows the band’s 2024 debut, Evil World Machine.
Writing the New Hollywood Vampires Album Inside Beautiful Chaos
The Hollywood Vampires—consisting of Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry, and Henriksen—are currently in pre-production and writing mode for their upcoming record. Henriksen described the collaborative writing dynamic to Loudwire Nights host Chuck Armstrong as “insanity, but it’s beautiful” and “beautiful chaos.”
“Alice and myself will always get together,” Henriksen told Loudwire Nights, explaining that Cooper often initiates song ideas. “Joe’s got a bunch of stuff he’s working on right now. He’ll send me riffs and then we’ll go back with Joe and then Johnny’s already got like four songs.” Once the four members convene in a room, they finalize the arrangements before heading into the studio to record with minimal overdubs, mirroring their past recording approach.
Backstage Encounter Leads to Phil Collen Collaboration on Crossbone Skully Track
Henriksen’s upcoming Crossbone Skully release, Condemned to Rock n’ Roll, features guest contributions from Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen on the track “Thunder Love.” The collaboration materialized after Henriksen attended a Def Leppard residency show in Las Vegas and a mutual acquaintance snuck him into backstage catering.
“Phil comes over and gives me a hug,” Henriksen recalled to Loudwire Nights. After asking about Robert John “Mutt” Lange, Collen asked if Henriksen had any tracks available to play on. Henriksen sent him a song written to capture the driving power of Def Leppard’s “Photograph,” prompting Collen to record guitar and vocals for the track.
Crossbone Skully Expands Its Sound on Sophomore Release
Condemned to Rock n’ Roll draws influence from ’80s metal, classic rock, pop, and country. Alongside “Thunder Love,” the album features the single “Riding With Angels,” which Henriksen explained pays tribute to supporters who have aided him throughout his career.
The project originated during soundchecks for Alice Cooper, where Henriksen and drummer Glen Sobel jammed on AC/DC songs. A lighting technician suggested Henriksen front his own project, prompting him to begin writing material that eventually formed the basis of Crossbone Skully.
Common Questions About Tommy Henriksen and His Projects
When is the new Crossbone Skully album coming out?
Crossbone Skully will release its sophomore album, Condemned to Rock n’ Roll, on January 29 via earMUSIC.
Who is in the Hollywood Vampires?
Loudwire reported that the Hollywood Vampires comprise Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry, and Tommy Henriksen.
Which Def Leppard member appears on the Crossbone Skully record?
Guitarist Phil Collen plays guitar and sings on the Crossbone Skully track “Thunder Love,” as detailed by Loudwire.
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