On July 25, 2025, rock history was made at London’s O2 Arena when Alice Cooper took the stage for what was initially billed as a concert celebrating his new album. Instead, the night transformed into a heartfelt and electrifying tribute to his longtime friend and fellow rock icon, Ozzy Osbourne, who had passed away just three days earlier. The emotional high point of the evening came when Cooper was joined on stage by actor and musician Johnny Depp for a powerful performance of Black Sabbath’s legendary song, “Paranoid.”

The concert began with Alice Cooper performing tracks from his new release, The Revenge of Alice Cooper, marking a special occasion as it reunited the original band lineup for the first time in over 50 years. With Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith, and Michael Bruce on stage, fans were already witnessing a once-in-a-generation event.

But the true surprise came midway through the show. As the first notes of “Paranoid” echoed through the arena, fans erupted in excitement. Just moments into the song, Johnny Depp appeared on stage with a guitar slung over his shoulder. His presence was unexpected, but his performance was seamless and moving. The crowd of 12,000 rose to their feet as Cooper and Depp, longtime bandmates in the Hollywood Vampires, channeled raw energy and emotion into the tribute.

Alice Cooper wore a shirt with Ozzy Osbourne’s face on it, and as the song ended, he lifted his fist in a solemn salute. The arena thundered with chants of “Ozzy! Ozzy!” in what felt like a communal farewell to one of the most influential figures in rock history. Cooper later shared that although Ozzy’s health had been declining for some time, the news of his passing still came as a deep shock.

After “Paranoid,” Johnny Depp remained on stage to perform “School’s Out” alongside the original Alice Cooper band. This closing number turned into a celebratory explosion of sound and spirit, underscoring the unity and timelessness of rock music.

Audience members and critics alike described the tribute as one of the most authentic and emotionally powerful performances in recent memory. Depp’s guitar work added not only star power but sincerity to the moment, while Cooper’s vocals were charged with grief, strength, and love. It was more than a cover — it was a farewell, a thank you, and a celebration.

Though the concert was originally meant to spotlight Alice Cooper’s latest musical effort, it became something far greater. It was a memorial, a reunion, and a declaration that the spirit of rock lives on — even in the face of loss. Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but his legacy was honored with the energy and defiance that defined his career.

For everyone in attendance, the night was unforgettable. And for fans of both Cooper and Osbourne, the performance of “Paranoid” served as a perfect tribute to a man who forever changed the face of heavy metal.