KING CHARLES’ Band of the Coldstream Guards Pays Tribute to OZZY OSBOURNE With Stirring BLACK SABBATH Cover
The world is still coming to terms with the loss of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, and now even the British royal guards have paid tribute in unforgettable style. On July 30, during the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, The Band of the Coldstream Guards delivered a powerful rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” in honor of Ozzy’s passing.
Made up of top-tier musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music, the Coldstream Guards are one of the British Army’s most prestigious bands. Instantly recognizable in their scarlet tunics and bearskin hats, they’ve been a symbol of tradition since the time of Henry VII. Their performances at the Changing of the Guard are woven into centuries of British history, but this tribute was truly one for the ages.
For three electrifying minutes, the sound of “Paranoid” rang out over Buckingham Palace, turning a centuries-old tradition into an emotional salute to one of Britain’s most legendary rock stars. Tourists and fans who gathered outside witnessed a moment that quickly went viral, as people around the world celebrated this unique nod to Ozzy’s legacy.
The timing made the performance even more poignant. It coincided with the very day of Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral procession through Birmingham, where thousands took to the streets to honor the Prince of Darkness on his final journey home.
Ozzy’s ties to the British royal family go back years. In 2002, he performed “Paranoid” for Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Princes William and Harry at the Queen’s Golden Jubilee “Party at the Palace.” After Ozzy’s near-fatal accident in 2003, Prince Charles, now King Charles III, even sent a bottle of whiskey to lift his spirits.
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. His family released a statement saying, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
The tribute at Buckingham Palace was a moving reminder of just how deeply Ozzy’s music has touched people — not just in his hometown of Birmingham, but across the world and even within the walls of British royalty. His impact on rock and heavy metal is immeasurable, and with the Coldstream Guards’ unforgettable salute, his legacy now echoes through one of Britain’s most honored traditions.
@about.london The Band of the Coldstream Guards perform “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath at Changing of the Guard today. RIP to Ozzy Osbourne the “Prince of Darkness” #guard #kingsguard #ozzyosbourne #blacksabbath #paranoid #heavymetal #rockband #london #buckinghampalace #fyp ♬ original sound – about.london
