A Silent Header. A Lasting Tribute.
X-Clacks Overhead Tribute is a minimal plugin for WordPress and ClassicPress that adds an X-Clacks-Overhead HTTP header to every page your site serves — a quiet digital memorial inspired by the GNU Terry Pratchett project.
By default, the header reads:
X-Clacks-Overhead: Ozzy “The Prince of Darkness” Osbourne
but you can easily change it from Settings → Clacks Tribute to honor anyone you wish to keep remembered in the overhead.
Tool Origin
The X-Clacks Overhead Tribute plugin was created the day after Ozzy Osbourne’s death, as a personal homage to an artist who helped shape an era of creativity and rebellion.
It was inspired by the GNU Terry Pratchett project — the idea that a name, once carried through the web, never truly disappears.
For me, Ozzy’s legacy runs deeper. His performance at BlizzCon 2009 was the spark that led me to explore StarCraft, and through that, the early days of E-Sports, a scene that became one of my biggest sources of inspiration as a developer.
The plugin became a small way to return that energy to the digital world: a single, persistent header that ensures his name keeps traveling overhead.
Key Features
- Automatic Tribute Header – Adds an X-Clacks-Overhead header to all HTTP responses.
- Customizable Message – Edit your tribute text in Settings → Clacks Tribute.
- Lightweight and Fast – Zero impact on performance or caching.
- Compatible with Any Theme – Works transparently with both WordPress and ClassicPress
Get Started
Install and activate the plugin through your Plugins dashboard, then go to Settings → Clacks Tribute to set your message.
The default configuration honors Ozzy “The Prince of Darkness” Osbourne, but it can be customized for any memorial, event, or personal hero.
Available:
Free on Personal: GitHub Repository
Custom and branded versions offered through SudoSeagull for special site integrations.