Johnny Depp’s surprise appearance at Alice Cooper’s London concert became an unforgettable tribute to Ozzy Osbourne—blending raw emotion, rock history, and thunderous energy into a moment fans won’t soon forget.
On Friday night, July 25, 2025, the O2 Arena in London erupted as Alice Cooper’s live show took an unexpected turn. Just as Cooper’s band launched into Black Sabbath’s iconic 1970 hit “Paranoid,” Johnny Depp stepped onto the stage, guitar in hand, joining his longtime bandmate for a fiery tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. The crowd, already electrified, was stunned into roaring applause as the Hollywood actor and rock guitarist delivered a performance that was both powerful and deeply personal.
Depp, 62, is no stranger to the stage. As a founding member of Hollywood Vampires—a supergroup formed with Cooper and Joe Perry—he’s spent years touring and recording, blending his cinematic charisma with genuine musical chops. But this moment was different. It wasn’t just a guest spot—it was a heartfelt salute to a fallen legend. Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering frontman of Black Sabbath, had passed away just days earlier on July 22 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped heavy metal and rock culture forever.
Alice Cooper, wearing an Ozzy tribute T-shirt, led the charge. Known for his theatricality and shock-rock persona, Cooper dialed into something more intimate for this performance. His vocals on “Paranoid” were urgent and reverent, channeling the spirit of the original while honoring the man behind it. Depp’s guitar work added a layer of grit and soul, echoing the rawness of Sabbath’s early sound. Together, they created a sonic homage that felt both nostalgic and alive.
The timing of the tribute was poignant. Just weeks earlier, Ozzy had performed his final concert—Back to the Beginning—in Birmingham, reuniting with the original Black Sabbath lineup for one last show. That performance, filled with emotion and legacy, now stands as a bookend to a career that spanned more than five decades. Depp and Cooper’s tribute at the O2 Arena felt like the next chapter—a communal farewell from peers and fans alike.
The crowd’s reaction was immediate and visceral. Phones lit up, tears flowed, and chants of “Ozzy! Ozzy!” filled the venue. For many, it was more than a concert—it was a moment of collective mourning and celebration. Depp, typically reserved on stage, appeared visibly moved. His connection to Osbourne, forged through years of shared stages and mutual respect, was evident in every chord he played.
This wasn’t Depp’s first tribute performance, but it may be his most significant. In interviews, he’s spoken about Ozzy’s influence on his musical journey, citing Sabbath’s early records as formative. Cooper, too, has long praised Osbourne as “an unmatched showman and cultural icon.” Their decision to honor him with “Paranoid”—a song that defined Sabbath’s sound and attitude—was both fitting and powerful.
The performance quickly went viral, with clips circulating across social media and music platforms. Fans praised the authenticity, the emotion, and the sheer force of the moment. Music critics called it “a masterclass in tribute performance,” noting how Depp and Cooper managed to channel grief into art without losing the edge that made the original song so iconic.
Beyond the music, the tribute highlighted the enduring bonds within the rock community. Artists like Depp and Cooper, who straddle generations and genres, continue to carry the torch for legends like Ozzy. Their performance wasn’t just about honoring the past—it was about keeping it alive.
Ozzy Osbourne’s impact on music is immeasurable. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his solo career and cultural reinvention through reality TV, he remained a force of nature. His voice, his style, and his unapologetic persona inspired countless artists and fans. Depp and Cooper’s tribute captured that spirit—not with spectacle, but with sincerity.
As the final notes of “Paranoid” rang out, the stage lights dimmed, and the crowd stood in reverent silence. It was a moment of closure, of gratitude, and of rock and roll at its most human. Depp and Cooper exited the stage to thunderous applause, leaving behind a performance that will be remembered not just for its surprise, but for its soul.
