Johnny Depp stunned fans at London’s O2 Arena on Friday night as he joined rock legend Alice Cooper on stage to pay an emotional tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
The Hollywood actor and guitarist, 62, made an unannounced appearance during Cooper’s concert, where the duo performed Black Sabbath’s iconic track Paranoid in honour of Osbourne, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76.
Osbourne, famously dubbed the Prince of Darkness, died just weeks after delivering his final performance with Black Sabbath. His death sent shockwaves through the music world, with tributes pouring in from fellow musicians and fans globally.
As Depp rocked out on his guitar during the medley, Alice Cooper, 77, shouted to the crowd, “Let’s hear it for Ozzy!”—a moment that ignited a wave of applause and emotion throughout the venue.
Earlier this week, Cooper had also dedicated his Cardiff performance to Osbourne, calling him a “giant” of rock and reflecting on his unparalleled legacy.
“Even though everybody saw it coming with Ozzy, it just took our breath away when it happened,” Cooper said on stage. “Your music, your legend, the humour you brought to rock – will live on forever. We’re going to miss you, man.”
The performance was part of a broader outpouring of grief and celebration for Osbourne, who rose to fame as the frontman of Black Sabbath and later carved out a successful solo career.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Cooper shared further words: “He was and will always be a rock n’ roll legend. Rock' n’ roll is a family, and when we lose one of our own, it bleeds. I wish I had gotten to know my brother Ozzy better. Rest easy, Ozzy—we’ll see you on the other side.”
Depp, a longtime friend of Cooper and fellow member of their supergroup Hollywood Vampires, added a gritty edge to the tribute. On stage, he puffed on a cigarette while delivering passionate guitar riffs, adding to the raw energy of the moment.
Meanwhile, on the other side of London at Wembley Stadium, Liam and Noel Gallagher also paid tribute to the late rock icon during the first night of their Oasis reunion gigs. The brothers performed Rock 'N' Roll Star in front of a towering image of Ozzy, dedicating the performance to his memory.
In another heartbreaking development, it was revealed that an air ambulance had rushed to Osbourne’s country estate in a desperate two-hour attempt to save his life. Friends have since expressed concern for his widow, Sharon Osbourne, who is said to be too frail to organise a public funeral and may instead lay him to rest privately at their 350-acre estate.
While the rock world mourns the loss of a legend, tributes like Depp and Cooper’s serve as powerful reminders that Ozzy Osbourne’s spirit will forever echo through the anthems of rock.