The music industry came together in grief and celebration on Friday night at London’s O2 Arena. Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp took the stage to pay tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 after struggling with long-term health issues, including Parkinson’s disease.

The surprise tribute took place during Cooper’s sold-out performance. It turned into a heartfelt homage to one of rock’s greatest figures. Fans were treated to a powerful and touching moment that united generations of rock lovers.

Cooper reflects on Ozzy’s passing

During the concert, 77-year-old Cooper opened up to the crowd about the loss of his friend. He said, “Even though everybody saw it coming with Ozzy, it just took our breath away when it happened.” He continued, “The whole world is mourning,” as quoted by the Daily Mail. Cooper’s words captured the deep sense of loss felt across the rock community.

Johnny Depp’s surprise performance

The emotional tribute reached its peak when actor and musician Johnny Depp made an unexpected entrance. At 62, Depp, who shares a strong friendship and musical partnership with Cooper in the supergroup Hollywood Vampires, joined him on stage holding a guitar.

Together, they performed the legendary Black Sabbath hit “Paranoid,” which thrilled the crowd. Cooper, wearing a T-shirt with Ozzy’s image, introduced the performance as a tribute to his late friend. He ended the song by raising his fist toward the sky, paying silent respect to Osbourne’s legacy.

Special moment in Cooper’s career

That night was not only about remembering Ozzy. It also marked a special achievement in Alice Cooper’s career. The concert celebrated the release of The Revenge of Alice Cooper, his first album with the original band since Muscle of Love in 1973.

After the Ozzy tribute, Johnny Depp remained on stage to perform “School’s Out” alongside Cooper and his original bandmates—Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith, and Michael Bruce. The performance added another layer of nostalgia and joy to the evening.

“A lifer” in rock music

In a previous interview with People, Cooper described Ozzy Osbourne as “a lifer” in the rock music scene. He also called him “a very beloved character in rock.” These words echoed the strong admiration and deep friendship between the two music legends.

Tributes continue across London

Meanwhile, another tribute to Ozzy unfolded elsewhere in the city. At their Oasis reunion show at Wembley Stadium, Liam and Noel Gallagher honored Osbourne by dedicating their song “Rock N Roll Star” to him. A large image of the “Prince of Darkness” appeared on screen during the performance, as reported by the Daily Mail.