King Charles’ Guards Honor Ozzy Osbourne With a ‘Unique and Powerful Tribute’ — Video
Buckingham Palace Band Pays Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with Surprise Performance of “Paranoid”
On July 30, 2025, a remarkable fusion of tradition and rock history captivated audiences at Buckingham Palace as the Band of the Coldstream Guards performed Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This tribute was dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76.
Clad in their distinctive red uniforms and bearskin hats, the Guards astonished spectators with a heavy metal classic seldom heard in royal environments. The event quickly gained traction online after About London shared a video, amassing over 100,000 views and eliciting numerous heartfelt comments.
One viewer remarked, “This is awesome. Proudest I’ve felt of this country for about 15 years.” Others lauded the performance as “unique,” “powerful,” and “a true mark of respect.”
Established in 1650, the Coldstream Guards hold the title of the oldest regiment in the British Army. Their band, which was formed in 1685, has performed globally, but this tribute was particularly notable for its blend of royal tradition and rock legacy—a combination that many believe Ozzy would have appreciated.
The performance coincided with a significant public memorial in Birmingham, Ozzy’s birthplace. Thousands gathered for a funeral procession that passed by the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, led by Bostin’s Brass band. Images captured the Osbourne family visibly touched by the turnout.
Birmingham had already begun to honor its local hero. A day following his death, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra played Osbourne’s songs in the Bullring shopping center, describing it as a tribute to “one of Birmingham’s own.”
BBC Radio WM’s Ed James reflected on Ozzy as “a working-class kid from Aston who went looking for a good time—and found it.” Fans throughout the UK concurred that the Coldstream Guards’ tribute served as a fitting farewell to the Prince of Darkness.