Just moments before taking the stage in Cardiff, Wales on Tuesday, July 22nd, rock icon Alice Cooper received the devastating news that Ozzy Osbourne had passed away at age 76.
The timing was poignant. Cardiff is just two hours from Birmingham, the birthplace of the Black Sabbath legend, making the moment even more powerful for Cooper and the audience. Before beginning his performance, Cooper recorded a heartfelt message for his syndicated radio show, Alice’s Attic, offering a candid and emotional tribute.
“Well, we all know that time is going to take us rockers, but when the giants fall, it’s really hard to accept,” he said. “Even though everybody saw it coming with Ozzy, it just took our breath away when it happened. So Ozzy and family — your records and your music and your legend and all that you brought — the humor to the rock business — will live on forever and we’re gonna miss you, man.”
That night, Cooper and his band dedicated the entire concert to Ozzy, celebrating his life, music, and impact on the heavy metal community. Fans in attendance had also just heard the news, turning the performance into an impromptu memorial filled with emotion.
After the show, Cooper took to Instagram to share a longer tribute, reflecting on his deep respect and admiration for Osbourne:
“The whole world is mourning Ozzy tonight. Over his long career, he earned immense respect among his peers and from fans around the world as an unmatched showman and cultural icon.
I always saw Ozzy as a cross between the prince of darkness, which is the persona his fans saw, and the court jester. That was the side that his family and friends saw.”
He continued:
“He was and will continue to be a rock n roll legend. Rock n Roll is a family and a fraternity. When we lose one of our own it bleeds. I wish I would have gotten to know my brother Ozzy better.
Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and the rest of the Ozzy brood — our prayers are with you tonight. A titanic boulder has crashed, but rock will roll on.
Rest easy Ozzy and we’ll see you on the other side!”
