A Powerful Homage Outside Buckingham Palace
On July 30, 2025, the Band of the Coldstream Guards stunned the crowd outside Buckingham Palace by playing an unexpected tribute to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. Their brass rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” replaced the usual traditional march during the ceremonial Changing of the Guard.
A Rare Tribute to a British Icon
Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away just over a week earlier, received an honor rarely granted to musical figures. The British military, steeped in tradition, paused to recognize one of the country’s most influential artists. The band performed in full uniform—bright red jackets, black trousers with red stripes, and tall bearskin hats.
The performance took place during the formal rotation of guards at Buckingham Palace. Video of the moment, posted by the About London TikTok account, quickly went viral.
@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
Coldstream Guards: A Legacy of Tradition
Founded in 1650 by General George Monck, the Coldstream Guards remain the oldest regiment in the British Army. Their band, established in 1685, has played music at royal events, major venues, and of course, the Changing of the Guard.
While rooted in history, the band occasionally surprises the public with modern selections—though few performances have been as emotionally charged as this one.
Ozzy Remembered in Birmingham
On the same day as the Buckingham tribute, Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham hosted a massive memorial. A funeral procession, led by Bostin’s Brass Band, traveled through the city toward the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge. Photos on Ozzy’s Instagram showed fans lining the barricades, while his family looked on, surrounded by gifts and flowers.
This wasn’t the city’s first tribute. On July 23, just one day after his death, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performed several of Osbourne’s hits at the Bullring shopping center.
Their Instagram post read:
“Honoring one of Birmingham’s own with the music that shaped generations 💜.”
A Farewell from Radio and Stage
During a live show on July 24, BBC Radio WM’s Ed James offered a heartfelt tribute. He described Osbourne as “one of a kind” and praised his unique career path:
“There isn’t anyone who has done what he’s done, in the way that he’s done it.”
James recalled Osbourne’s final performance on July 5. Though his voice had faded, the crowd’s roar brought him back to life.
“When he laughed on stage, you could tell he was exactly where he wanted to be.”
He closed the tribute with a quote from Osbourne himself:
“I’m just John Osbourne, a working-class kid from Aston who left the factory and went looking for a good time.”
James added, “And my god, did he find it.”
