How did Johnny Depp give surprise tribute to Ozzy Osbourne? Actor joins Alice Cooper on London stage

Alice Cooper, in the middle of his sold-out performance, paused to honour his long-time friend and fellow rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, who had passed away just days earlier. But what really made the moment unforgettable was Johnny Depp stepping out onto the stage, guitar in hand, midway through the tribute.

The surprise appearance wasn’t announced or teased. One moment, the band was tearing through the iconic Black Sabbath track “Paranoid,” and the next, Depp was walking onstage, joining in the performance with quiet confidence. It wasn’t about making a splash, it was about showing love and respect. Cooper, wearing an Ozzy T-shirt, closed the song by raising his fist, as the crowd roared in unison. It was raw, real, and personal.

Johnny Depp joins Alice Cooper onstage to honour Ozzy Osbourne

The performance wasn’t just another tribute, it was a moment fans felt in their bones. The video quickly started making rounds online, drawing thousands of comments from those touched by the gesture. Seeing Johnny Depp known more recently for his legal battles than music, back onstage alongside his Hollywood Vampires bandmate hit differently this time.

Depp and Cooper go way back. They’ve been part of the supergroup Hollywood Vampires since 2012, along with Joe Perry and Tommy Henriksen. Their bond is more than musical, it’s friendship, loyalty, and shared history. That made Depp’s quiet walk onto the stage during “Paranoid” all the more powerful. No words. Just music.

After the tribute, Depp didn’t just leave. He stayed on for one more song, “School’s Out”, performed with original Alice Cooper band members. Again, no flashy entrance or exit. Just being part of something bigger than himself. A moment of unity in the rock world.

Alice Cooper later spoke about Ozzy in interviews, calling him a "beloved character" and a “lifer” in rock music. He admitted he was on his way to the stage when he heard the news. “It hit hard,” he said. “Even when you know it’s coming... it still shakes you.” At the end of the show, he led the entire crowd in a chant: “Ozzy, Ozzy.” A simple but moving send-off.

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The tribute stood out because it wasn’t overdone. It wasn’t staged. It was one rock icon honouring another with help from a close friend who just happens to be one of Hollywood’s biggest names. And maybe that’s why the clip of Depp joining Alice Cooper went viral so quickly. It wasn’t just about celebrity. It was about connection, legacy, and love.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the music and entertainment world, this one will be remembered as one of the most sincere. No long speeches. No headlines stealing the show. Just a guitar, a stage, and a shared goodbye to a legend.

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