Johnny Depp honored rock legend Ozzy Osbourne by joining Alice Cooper on stage during Cooper’s concert at the O2 Arena in London on July 25. This tribute took place just three days after Osbourne’s family announced the passing of the iconic Black Sabbath frontman at the age of 76.
During the performance, Depp surprised the audience by stepping in to play bass guitar alongside Cooper and his band as they performed Black Sabbath’s classic song Paranoid. Fans responded enthusiastically, energized by the unexpected appearance and the heartfelt homage to Osbourne’s legacy.
Commemorating Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy on Stage
Alice Cooper, visibly moved by the occasion and wearing a T-shirt celebrating Osbourne, led the crowd in a chant honoring the late musician. In a vivid show of respect, Cooper dedicated the performance to Osbourne, acknowledging the profound impact the rock icon had on their lives and the music world.
Earlier on the same day, Cooper opened up about his emotions following Osbourne’s death. Reflecting on his decades-long relationship with Osbourne, Cooper revealed the shock he experienced as he prepared to take the stage and processed the news.
I was on my way to the stage when I heard about [his death],
Cooper said in an interview with Planet Rock on July 25.
And I went, ‘Oh, that’s not right.’ He just did this. And I saw him. He was signing well. But when it finally hit, it was just one of those, ‘Yeah.’ Even though you know it’s coming. What a shock to the system.
At the end of the concert, Cooper invited the audience to join in saying goodnight to Osbourne, leading to a powerful group chant of “Ozzy, Ozzy.” He described Osbourne as an unforgettable and beloved figure in rock music.
At the end of the show, I just said, ‘Everybody, let’s say goodnight to Ozzy,’
he recalled.
And everybody just [chanted], ‘Ozzy, Ozzy.’ He was a very beloved character in rock.
Fellow Musicians Respond to Ozzy Osbourne’s Passing
Depp and Cooper were far from alone in their grief. Musician Yungblud (Dominic Harrison) announced he would honor Osbourne’s memory by playing Changes, a song famously performed at Osbourne’s final concert, every night for the rest of his life.
I’m trying to compute the last couple days and honestly I’m absolutely f–king shattered,
Yungblud wrote on Instagram on July 24.
You have been my North Star for everything for as long as I can remember from when I was misunderstood as a child to the way people thought I was just a little ‘too much’ or ‘strange’ in my life and career.
He vowed,
I promise you with all my heart I will try my best and make it my life’s journey to keep the sprit that you started and what you have taught me alive. I will give it my best shot.
Osbourne’s family also shared their sorrow publicly. His daughter, Kelly Osbourne, posted the poignant lyrics of Changes on her Instagram Story accompanied by an emotional caption.
I feel unhappy, Kelly wrote.
I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had.
Early Years and Rise to Fame
Before rising to fame as Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Tommy Iommi performed under the name Earth in 1969, laying the foundation for their future as pioneers of heavy metal music.
In 1970, the group was fully committed to their sound and style, positioning themselves to become one of the most influential bands in rock history.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, in 1948, Osbourne struggled academically due to dyslexia. Music became his passion and escape.
I left school with a little more education than when I first started going,
he said in a 2010 interview with The Associated Press.
Because of my dyslexia, I couldn’t learn. So, I was teased a lot by one of my sister about not bing able to read. It’s very shameful.
If it wasn’t for The Beatles turning me onto music in a big way, I don’t know what I would have done,
Osbourne added.
Music has been the main thing that got me out of the area, the place I was born.
Black Sabbath’s Foundation and Ozzy’s Personal Life in the 1970s
Formed in 1968 and inspired by the 1963 film Black Sabbath, the band officially adopted the name Black Sabbath by 1970, achieving significant success with their self-titled debut album and further establishing their influence with albums like Paranoid.
In 1971, Osbourne married Thelma Riley. They had three children together: Jessica Osbourne, Louis Osbourne, and Elliot Kingsley. Throughout the 1970s, Black Sabbath toured extensively, performing at notable venues and festivals.
During the 1974 California Jam festival, Osbourne energized the crowd dressed in striking outfits, including shiny pants adorned with a snake, showcasing his theatrical stage presence.
The band’s 1976 performance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon—now the Eventim Apollo—remains memorable as they continued to cement their rock legacy. They also earned silver certification for the 1976 album Technical Ecstasy, marking their commercial achievements.
Challenges and Solo Career in the 1980s
After battling substance addiction and erratic behavior, Osbourne was dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979, a move he described as a turning point that reflected one of the lowest moments of his life.
Money would be the alcohol and the drugs and I behaved badly,
he revealed in his documentary Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne.
That was one of the lowest points of my life.
As a solo artist, Osbourne embarked on the Diary of a Madman tour in 1982, which included the infamous incident at Madison Square Garden where he bit into a bat he mistook for rubber.
I just thought it was a rubber bat,
he explained in the documentary.
and I just put it in my mouth and crunched down. I just f–king bit into it, you know, being the f–king clown that I am [and was like], ‘Oh no! It’s real.’
That same year, Osbourne married Sharon Arden, who would become a central figure in both his personal and professional life. The couple later had three children: Aimee Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, and Jack Osbourne.
Throughout the 1980s, Osbourne maintained a prominent presence in rock, often seen on tour with artists like Motlëy Crüe’s Vince Neil and appearing in various public appearances exhibiting his characteristic style and charm.
Continuing Influence and Family Life in the 1990s and 2000s
The 1990s saw Osbourne embrace his role as an enduring rock icon, attending events such as the Moscow Music Peace Festival in 1989 and celebrating milestones with Black Sabbath’s reunion and 30th anniversary in the late 1990s.
His presence extended beyond music into popular culture, illustrated by the unveiling of the Ozzy Osbourne action figure at McFarlane Toy Showroom in 1999 and his signature leather look at the 2000 Grammy Awards.
Alongside Sharon, Osbourne’s life became publicly visible through the reality television show The Osbournes, which aired from 2002 to 2005 and spotlighted their family dynamics.
Kelly Osbourne’s attendance at Black Sabbath’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 underscored the family’s ongoing connection to his musical legacy.
Later Career Milestones and Public Reflections
Ozzy continued touring into the 2010s, performing at events like the Gods of Metal Festival in Milan in 2012 and making appearances at film premieres such as the 2015 debut of Amy at ArcLight Cinemas in Los Angeles.
Though the couple faced challenges, including a brief separation in 2016 following Sharon’s infidelity, Osbourne confirmed their reconciliation and reaffirmed Sharon’s unique place in his life.
She’s the only one I’ve ever loved in my life,
he said of his wife during his documentary. I mean, she’s my soulmate.
In 2018, Osbourne announced his No More Tours II: Final World Tour, signaling an end to his extensive live performance career, a moment reflecting both celebration and farewell.
Looking back on his life and career in 2019, Osbourne expressed gratitude for his enduring presence in rock history despite his tumultuous past.
I never thought I’d make it this far,
he told Rolling Stone in 2018.
I don’t understand why I’m alive still after the hell-raising days. I guess whoever the man is upstairs, if there even is one, wants me to stick around.
The Enduring Mark of a Rock Legend
Johnny Depp’s participation alongside Alice Cooper in the tribute at London’s O2 Arena reinforced Ozzy Osbourne’s profound influence on musicians across generations. The emotional homage resonated widely, reflecting the deep respect held for Osbourne’s contributions to music and culture.
As fans and fellow artists continue to celebrate his life, the legacy of Osbourne’s powerful voice, groundbreaking sound, and personal story remains embedded in rock’s history. The collective mourning and tributes signal the lasting impact of a figure who shaped the identity of heavy metal and inspired countless musicians and fans worldwide.
With his passing now mourned globally, future commemorations and remembrances are likely to honor the indelible mark Ozzy Osbourne left on the rock community and beyond.
