Baby Bird played a comeback gig in London on Thursday night (Nov. 12) -- without a rumoured appearance from Hollywood actor and longtime fan Johnny Depp (pictured).

The band -- who split in 2000 -- reformed to record a new album, 'Ex Maniac', this year, with Depp playing guitar on the record and directing the video to the band's comeback single as well. Rumours that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star would play with the band had been circulating for weeks, but in the end the Hoxton Bar & Grill show went ahead without any Depp cameo.

Singer Stephen Jones, a frontman noted for his black humorous onstage banter, seemed to take delight in Depp's no-show. According to the NME, he baited photographers who were waiting for the film star to appear.

"It's funny you lot normally only stay here for three songs and then leave," he quipped, before adding: "We all know why you're here, he's not coming. He's in my hotel naked and buttered up ready for action. Johnny Deep is what I call him!"

Jones also made a dig at Morrissey, saying, "I want to dedicate this next song to Morrissey who has a glass tattoed on the side of his head." Drummer Robert Gregory threw a plastic pint at his head and the singer added, "That's it, I'm leaving the stage, I've got a broken fingernail."

The singer then later reportedly made comments about the war in Afghanistan, before apologising to the crowd.