WE TATTOOED JOHNNY DEPP
As a studio, we are always ready for new adventures and opportunities. It's not the first time we have been summoned to places like the Grand Hotel to put our art on the skin of those seeking unique memories.
In fact, we had previously had the pleasure of tattooing Mac Miller when he lived in Tjuvholmen, an experience that would forever be engraved in our own memory album. At that time, he was dating Ariana Grande whom we got to say hello to on FaceTime.
So there we were, in the midst of the Grand Hotel, an oasis of elegance and history. The guests seeking tattoos were a puzzle of different stories, backgrounds, and motifs. Each tattoo told its own little story, to become a part of the already rich history of the Grand Hotel.
Under the needle, in an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement, lasting memories were created. It wasn't just body art; it was a moment of personal expression, captured in ink and needles.
Grand Hotel became the focal point for these moments, a place where art and history converged in a symbiosis of self-expression.
So, the summer of 2022 at the Grand Hotel became more than just a day on the calendar. It became a chapter in our own adventure, a chapter written with ink, needles, and the mysterious tone of a phone call.
THE MYSTERY AT THE GRAND HOTEL
Our thoughts raced quickly in our studio reception when they called from the hotel.
Who could be these guests with such a request? They must have celebrity status, and two names quickly came to our minds: Johnny Depp or 50 Cent.
Both stars were actually in the city at the time. A wave of anticipation and excitement filled the air as we speculated on which of them it could be.
The thought of 50 Cent was plausible, especially since he was supposed to have a concert that evening. We discussed whether it would be likely for an artist like 50 Cent to choose to stay at the Grand Hotel.
But at the same time, Johnny Depp, known for his unique and diverse expressions, could be the one seeking tattoos in the elegant hotel's intimate setting.
The reception called back with a bit more information, and the mystery was revealed. It wasn't 50 Cent, but Johnny Depp and his entourage, including Jeff Beck and the rest of the band, who were to perform a concert the same weekend.
It was a moment of excitement and joy, knowing that our tattoos would become a part of Johnny Depp's artistic journey.
So, at the Grand Hotel, where history and elegance meet modern stars, our tattoos became a part of a chapter written by iconic artists. It wasn't just a day of art; it was a day that became a lasting memory in the journeys of Johnny Depp and his musical companions.
A day where the Grand Hotel set the stage for a unique encounter!
WALK AND SOCK CHANGE
We quickly mobilized, packed all the necessary equipment, and headed towards the hotel, which is just a 15-minute walk away. Along the way, some of the guys decided to stop and buy socks. The reason? A fear of the possibility of "foot odor."
The thought of meeting a legendary artist like Johnny Depp led to a sudden realization of the importance of fresh socks. So there they were, right outside the Grand Hotel, eager to ensure that their feet would be at their best before stepping into one of the city's most iconic hotels.
The sock change was carried out with a mix of humor and nervousness. It was a moment of pure humanity in the preparations to meet a big star. After ensuring that everything was in order in the foot department, they continued their journey into the Grand Hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel reception, they were immediately taken care of. Guided to a private elevator, they were transported directly up to Johnny Depp's luxurious suite.
The atmosphere was electric as they stepped in, and there they were welcomed by Johnny Depp himself and his management.
The meeting wasn't just a moment in a day of tattoos; it was a fusion of two worlds. Art, music, and humanity were woven together at the Grand Hotel, and our walk became a journey not only through the streets of the city but also through moments that would be part of our tattooing history forever.
BROKEN ARROW
Broken Arrow, a broken arrow symbolizing burying the hatchet, a new beginning, and renewed hope, according to Johnny Depp himself.
This meaningful period in Johnny Depp's life came right after he won the lawsuit against his ex-wife, Amber Heard. He was on everyone's lips worldwide at that moment, and that's why the studio went down to him at the Grand Hotel.
All they wanted was to get some cool new tattoos and celebrate together, a visual manifestation of a new beginning and a time of hope and self-expression.
THE LAWSUIT AGAINST AMBER HEARD
During the six hours of tattoo celebration, the lawsuit against Amber Heard was not a topic at all. Instead, there was loud music, cigar smoke, champagne, and cocktails dominating the atmosphere. Johnny Depp encouraged calling down to the reception to order what they wanted, and the crew took advantage of the opportunity.
Ice-cold Coca-Cola and chicken sandwiches, according to Aleksander, were chosen as refreshments.
Their room was so large that they had to hunt for people at times just to make sure everyone could get their tattoos. It became a celebration in the shadow of music's tones and in the light of the artistry of tattoo needles, where lawsuits and conflicts were temporarily displaced by joy, camaraderie, and self-expression.
ART, MUSIC, AND HOLLYWOOD ADVENTURE
The atmosphere was indescribably good throughout all the hours. While the needle worked on Johnny Depp, the conversation flowed smoothly. He shared stories about art, music, film, and much more. He expressed his admiration for Jeff Beck, a living legend who personally taught Jimi Hendrix how to play the guitar. Johnny talked about his guitars, the significance of music to him, and how he returned to Hollywood after six years in the shadows.
It was boys' talk at its best, an informal conversation about the ups and downs of life, twists in careers, and a passion for artistic expression. But this was not just an everyday conversation. It was a unique opportunity to delve into Johnny Depp's world and hear the stories from the man himself.
Even though the boys' talk flowed freely, there were clear guidelines: everything should be kept secret for the time being. An agreement that demanded silence, at least until Johnny Depp's right-hand man gave the green light. Now you can experience some of this magic on our Instagram, where memories from the unforgettable boys' talk are captured.
As most had received their new tattoos, the clock approached 9 PM, and the crew was running late for dinner. Johnny Depp gave each of the guys a hug and a kiss on the cheek, expressing his gratitude for them coming down to the Grand Hotel. Quickly, he left the scene, heading for new appointments and adventures.
That night, there weren't many hours of sleep. Excited by the experience, it took time to realize the star-studded crew they had spent six hours with in a luxury suite at the Grand Hotel. Tattoos had not only been added to the skin, but memories had been created in their hearts, and that night became an indelible part of their history with Johnny Depp.
Watch video of what it was like in the hotel room with Johnny Depp here: YOUTUBE
INTERNATIONAL EXPLOSION
"The day after our tattoo session with Johnny Depp, the conversation continued with his right-hand man. We had to carefully plan what could be shown and when it could be posted. Everything had to be approved by Johnny and his team, as they wanted to be involved in the process. Although we didn't quite understand what this entailed, we agreed on a day and time for publication.
The video was approved, we got a thumbs up and the green light to share it. As soon as we posted the video on Instagram, it exploded. Likes poured in, comments flooded in, and there were phone calls and emails from all directions. Minutes later, Johnny Depp himself shared the video on his Instagram, where he has nearly 30 million followers.
Social media and our studio were overwhelmed. Emails poured in, the phone heated up with inquiries from people around the world who believed Johnny Depp was now sitting with us getting a tattoo. 'Hello, can I speak with Johnny, please?' voices shouted through the phone. Journalists from all corners wanted a comment. It was a hectic day at work, to say the least. From approval to an international explosion on social media, it became a day we will not soon forget.
THE CONCERT WITH JOHNNY DEPP AND JEFF BECK
The band had originally planned the concert for the upcoming weekend, but it was unfortunately postponed due to a COVID diagnosis among the band members. After a trip to Finland to perform there, they returned a few weeks later to Oslo and took the stage at Sentrum Scene. Johnny Depp had given us VIP tickets to the event, a gesture that added an extra touch to the experience.
It was incredibly fun to see the whole crew perform live, especially Johnny in a different setting than what we are used to in films. He undoubtedly proved to be a skilled musician. Being present at the concert, surrounded by the energy of Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp, created a lifelong memory. The power of music united the audience, and the VIP moment became one of the highlights of our unique journey with Johnny Depp.
Here you can read more: VG
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