In a heartfelt tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance during Alice Cooper’s concert at The O2 Arena in London on July 25, 2025. This special performance took place just three days after the iconic heavy metal singer passed away at the age of 76.
Depp, who is no stranger to the music world, took the stage to perform the classic Black Sabbath hit “Paranoid,” a song that holds significant meaning given Osbourne’s role as the band’s frontman from 1968 to 1979. Footage from the event shows Depp delivering a powerful guitar solo while Cooper stepped in to honor Osbourne with the vocals, donning a T-shirt emblazoned with the legendary singer’s image.
The concert was a reunion for Depp and Cooper, who have collaborated in the past as part of the rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires, alongside Aerosmith’s Joe Perry. The Hollywood Vampires, named after a social club founded by Cooper in the 1970s, have become known for their electrifying performances and camaraderie.
Osbourne’s death, confirmed by his family on July 22, sent ripples of sorrow throughout the music industry. The Osbourne family released a statement expressing their profound grief: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
The tributes to Osbourne have been pouring in from fans and fellow musicians alike, reflecting his immense influence on rock music and popular culture. Just a day before his passing, Osbourne shared a poignant Instagram post featuring a behind-the-scenes photo from his final concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, where he performed with his original Black Sabbath bandmates.
Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath’s guitarist, expressed his disbelief and sorrow, stating, “I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words; there won’t ever be another like him.” Bassist Geezer Butler also shared his fond memories, saying, “Goodbye dear friend — thanks for all those years — we had some great fun. So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”
Bill Ward, the band’s drummer, emphasized the bond they shared, stating that Osbourne would always be “forever in [his] heart.” He extended his condolences to Osbourne’s family and fans, saying, “RIP sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”
The outpouring of love and remembrance from the entertainment community has been overwhelming. Comedian Adam Sandler took to social media to honor Osbourne, saying, “Whether we were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our buddies, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover … Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness — Ozzy Osbourne!” He added, “Loved him a lot like we all did! Sending love to the family and so happy to have spent time with the legend himself. RIP.”
Singer-songwriter YungBlud also paid tribute, stating that Osbourne’s legacy would resonate in every note he sings and every performance he gives. “You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me, and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us, the music was enough,” he wrote. “You took us on your adventure — an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and six children: Elliot, Jessica, and Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and Aimee, Kelly, and Jack from his marriage to Sharon. His passing marks the end of an era in rock music, but his influence will undoubtedly live on through the countless artists he inspired throughout his remarkable career.
As fans and fellow musicians continue to honor his legacy, Johnny Depp’s tribute at Alice Cooper’s concert serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact Ozzy Osbourne had on the music world and the hearts of those who loved him.