On July 30, 2025, tradition met rock legend when the Band of the Coldstream Guards surprised crowds at Buckingham Palace with a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” The performance honored Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away just over a week earlier, leaving a profound mark on British music history.
The iconic military band, dressed in their signature red jackets and bearskin hats, played the tribute during the Changing of the Guard ceremony — a ritual where patrolling soldiers are rotated. Social media erupted after About London shared a video of the moment, which quickly gathered over 100,000 views and hundreds of comments praising the heartfelt homage.
One viewer commented, “This is awesome. Proudest I’ve felt of this country for about 15 years.” Another added, “Fantastic! Thank you for honoring ‘The Prince of Darkness.’” Others called it “unique,” “powerful,” and “pure respect across all levels,” noting how rare it is for any musician to receive such a ceremonial acknowledgment after their passing.
The Coldstream Guards, founded in 1650 and recognized as the oldest regiment in the British Army, have a long-standing tradition of performing music during official ceremonies. Their band, established in 1685 under King Charles II, has since played at prestigious events worldwide. This tribute, however, stood out for blending royal tradition with the raw energy of heavy metal — a fusion many said Ozzy himself would have loved.
The tribute coincided with a massive memorial service in Birmingham, Osbourne’s hometown. Thousands lined the streets as a funeral procession, led by Bostin’s Brass band, passed the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge. Photos shared on the rocker’s official Instagram showed large crowds and the Osbourne family visibly moved by the public’s love and support.
Birmingham had already begun honoring its hometown hero. A day after Osbourne’s death on July 22, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performed his songs at the Bullring shopping center, writing on Instagram, “Honouring one of Birmingham’s own with the music that shaped generations 💜.”
BBC Radio WM presenter Ed James also remembered Osbourne during a live broadcast, describing him as “one of a kind… a working-class kid from Aston who left the factory and went looking for a good time — and my god did he find it.” James recalled Osbourne’s farewell show earlier in July, noting his exhaustion but also the unmistakable spark that ignited whenever the crowd roared.
From Birmingham’s brass bands to the regal sounds of the Coldstream Guards, tributes poured in across Britain, proving Ozzy Osbourne’s impact reached far beyond heavy metal. As one fan put it beneath the viral Buckingham Palace video: “What a unique and powerful tribute! Truly a blend of tradition and rock. RIP Ozzy Osbourne, a legend in every way.”
