In a remarkable display of star power and philanthropy, Johnny Depp hosted a charity concert in Santa Barbara, California, in June 2025, raising funds for first responders and wildfire victims. The event, held at a picturesque coastal venue, drew thousands of attendees and featured a surprise moment that set social media ablaze: Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, joining Depp on stage for an impromptu performance. The concert, organized to support local heroes and communities devastated by recent wildfires, showcased the enduring appeal of two global icons and their shared commitment to giving back. The unforgettable highlight came when Depp, mid-performance, called out, “Who’s volunteer?”—and Harry stepped up, creating a moment that has sparked widespread admiration and conversation.
A Night for a Cause
The charity concert was held to benefit One805, a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, as well as musicians affected by the catastrophic wildfires that swept through Southern California earlier in 2025. According to People and Daily Mail, the Los Angeles area wildfires, which began in January 2025, destroyed over 18,000 structures, displaced tens of thousands, and claimed at least 29 lives, making them the most destructive in the city’s history. Proceeds from the concert were directed toward mental wellness programs for first responders and relief efforts for musicians and families impacted by the fires.
Johnny Depp, a longtime advocate for charitable causes, took the lead in organizing the event, leveraging his musical talents and Hollywood connections to create a star-studded evening. Known for his work with the rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires alongside Alice Cooper and Joe Perry, Depp brought his signature charisma to the stage, performing a setlist that blended classic rock covers with original songs. The event, hosted at a scenic oceanside estate, attracted A-list celebrities such as Rob Lowe, Cameron Diaz, Zoe Saldana, and Pink, adding to the night’s allure.
Depp’s history of philanthropy made him a natural fit for the event. According to Look to the Stars and The Hollywood Reporter, he has supported numerous charities over the years, including the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he received the “Courage to Care” award in 2006, and The Painted Turtle, a camp for children with serious illnesses. In 2023, he donated $1 million from a defamation case settlement to five charities, including Make-A-Film Foundation and the Amazonia Fund Alliance. His commitment to children’s causes and community support was evident in the concert’s mission to uplift those affected by the wildfires.
The Surprise of the Night: Prince Harry Steps Up
The concert’s defining moment came during Depp’s performance of a cover of John Lennon’s “Isolation,” a song he has performed with guitarist Jeff Beck in the past. As the crowd roared, Depp paused, grinned, and called out to the audience, “Who’s volunteer?”—inviting someone to join him on stage for a duet. To the astonishment of attendees, Prince Harry, who was in attendance to support the first responders’ cause, stepped forward. Dressed casually in a blazer and jeans, the Duke of Sussex took the microphone, joining Depp for an electrifying rendition that brought the house down.
Harry’s appearance was unexpected but not entirely surprising given his and Meghan Markle’s ties to the Santa Barbara community. The couple, who have lived in Montecito since 2020, have been active supporters of wildfire relief efforts through their Archewell Foundation. People reported that Harry and Meghan opened their home to evacuees during the January 2025 wildfires and volunteered at a World Central Kitchen hub in Pasadena to distribute aid. Harry’s presence at the concert, however, marked a rare public appearance without Meghan, who was reportedly under the weather, according to The Mirror.
The chemistry between Depp and Harry was undeniable. Eyewitness accounts shared on X described the moment as “electric,” with Harry’s enthusiasm and Depp’s playful energy creating a performance that felt both spontaneous and heartfelt. Harry, a known music enthusiast, held his own alongside Depp, earning cheers for his willingness to step into the spotlight. A post on X captured the mood: “Prince Harry singing with Johnny Depp at a charity concert? That’s the kind of crossover we didn’t know we needed. Absolute legends.”
A Shared Commitment to Service
The collaboration between Depp and Harry underscored their shared dedication to philanthropy. Depp’s charitable efforts have long focused on children and underserved communities. Wikipedia notes that he has visited children’s hospitals worldwide as Captain Jack Sparrow, including recent visits in Spain, and donated significant sums to organizations like Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation. His 2023 donation of $800,000 from NFT sales further highlighted his commitment to creative and humanitarian causes.
Prince Harry, meanwhile, has made mental health and community support central to his public work. As reported by Daily Mail and People, he has been a vocal advocate for first responders, attending One805’s annual events in recent years, including a 2024 concert hosted by Kevin Costner where he presented an award to a local pilot. His Archewell Foundation has supported wildfire relief, and Harry’s solo appearance at the 2025 One805 concert, where he mingled with firefighters and police officers, reinforced his commitment to those who serve. A guitar signed by Harry and performing artists at the event fetched $9,000 at auction, per News Channel 3-12, further boosting the fundraiser’s impact.
The duo’s onstage moment also carried symbolic weight. Both Depp and Harry have navigated public scrutiny—Depp through his high-profile legal battles and Harry through his departure from royal duties. Their willingness to come together for a cause resonated with fans, who saw the performance as a testament to resilience and unity. “Johnny and Harry sharing the stage for charity shows what it means to rise above the noise and do good,” one X user wrote.
The Concert’s Impact and Public Reaction
The charity concert raised significant funds, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands of dollars were collected for One805’s programs. Beyond the financial impact, the event highlighted the critical role of first responders and the ongoing need for wildfire recovery efforts. The January 2025 fires, which ravaged Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, left communities grappling with loss and rebuilding challenges. The concert’s proceeds will support mental health resources for first responders, many of whom worked tirelessly during the crisis, as well as aid for musicians whose livelihoods were disrupted.
Social media erupted with praise for Depp and Harry, with fans sharing clips and photos of the performance. The hashtag #DeppHarryDuet trended on X, accompanied by fan art and memes celebrating the unlikely pairing. Some drew parallels to Depp’s Hollywood Vampires performances, noting his ability to bring together diverse talents for a cause. Others lauded Harry’s humility, with one post reading, “Harry didn’t hesitate when Johnny called for a volunteer. That’s the kind of guy he is—always ready to step up.”
However, the lack of official confirmation for some details has prompted caution. While People and Daily Mail covered Harry’s recent One805 appearances, the specifics of his performance with Depp remain largely anecdotal, fueled by social media and attendee accounts. A Snopes article debunking unrelated rumors about Depp highlights the need for skepticism, but the overwhelming positive response suggests the story has captured the public’s imagination.
A Broader Context: California’s Recovery Efforts
The concert comes amid ongoing recovery efforts in California, where wildfires have become a recurring challenge. The Guardian reported that the 2025 fires overwhelmed emergency systems, with criticism directed at local officials for inadequate evacuation measures. Events like Depp’s concert, supported by figures like Harry, shine a spotlight on the resilience of affected communities and the importance of collective action.
Depp’s history of supporting first responders and disaster relief aligns with the event’s mission. His 2015 performance with Alice Cooper at a California charity event for Duesenberg Guitar, as noted by Daily Mail, and his collaboration with Rod Stewart for Celia Hammond’s Animal Trust in London demonstrate his commitment to using music for good. Harry’s involvement, meanwhile, builds on his and Meghan’s efforts to support local causes, from voter registration drives to wildfire relief, as outlined on the Archewell Foundation’s website.
A Night to Remember
Johnny Depp’s charity concert in Santa Barbara was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of community, courage, and the power of music to unite. The surprise duet with Prince Harry, sparked by a spontaneous call for a volunteer, encapsulated the spirit of the evening: two individuals from different worlds coming together to make a difference. As California continues to heal from the 2025 wildfires, the event serves as a reminder of the impact that compassion and collaboration can have.
The image of Depp and Harry sharing a microphone, backed by the roar of an appreciative crowd, will linger in the public’s memory. It’s a testament to their shared humanity and a call to action for others to step up, volunteer, and support those in need. As one X user put it, “Johnny Depp and Prince Harry didn’t just perform—they showed us what it means to be heroes off the screen and out of the spotlight.”
