The world of rock and roll dimmed this week with the passing of legendary icon Ozzy Osbourne at the age of 76. In a powerful display of reverence and remembrance, longtime friend Alice Cooper invited fellow Hollywood Vampires bandmate Johnny Depp on stage at London’s O2 Arena for a surprise tribute to the Prince of Darkness.
The crowd roared as Cooper launched into a gritty, emotional cover of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid,” with Depp wielding his guitar beside him. The moment was raw, heartfelt, and electrifying—a fitting homage to one of rock’s most enduring figures. Depp stayed on for a thunderous rendition of Cooper’s own classic “School’s Out,” transforming the stage into a celebration of legacy.
Ozzy’s family confirmed his death earlier in the week, sharing that he passed peacefully, surrounded by love. Though his recent years were marked by health struggles, his influence on music remained immortal.
Born in Birmingham in 1948, Ozzy helped pioneer heavy metal with Black Sabbath in 1968. His legacy includes multiple Grammys, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and generations of fans inspired by his unique voice, theatricality, and sheer resilience.
As tributes pour in, one thing remains clear: Ozzy Osbourne was—and will always be—irreplaceable.
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