Depp's hero Richards films for 'Pirates'

Keith Richards, who inspired Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow, is filming for his role in the next Pirates of the Caribbean film.

The Rolling Stones star, whom Depp has credited for his portrayal of the legendary pirate, is making a cameo appearance in Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End, due for release next May.

Fellow Stone Ronnie Wood revealed he was "hard at work on the set with Johnny Depp." The guitarist continued: "He said he's gonna come to the next rehearsal in character - he's gonna come straight off set dressed as a pirate, and come to rehearsals.

"He said to me: 'I'm not allowed to shave from now on, so they're gonna tie little bits on my beard. Whatever bits grow, they're gonna dangle bits off of it, and the longer it gets, the more they're gonna tie on'," explained Wood. "He promised to take a Polaroid as I'm dying to see it!"

Depp has previously cited his friend Richards as the character behind Sparrow. "I thought of Keith because he's a guy I've admired for many, many years," he said. "I didn't want to do an imitation of Keith, or a character study, just a kind of salute to him, you know, to show him I appreciate him.

"I was thinking about the pirates of the 18th century, about how they were the rocks stars of their day. So I thought who's the greatest rock and roll star who ever lived? And to me, it's Keith Richards hands down."