The world is still mourning the loss of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, and now even the British royal guards have paid their respects in spectacular fashion. On July 30, during the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, The Band of the Coldstream Guards performed a stirring rendition of the Black Sabbath classic “Paranoid” in honor of Osbourne‘s passing.
The Band of the Coldstream Guards is made up of elite musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music and is one of 14 regular army bands in the British Army. Known for their ceremonial role and instantly recognizable uniforms — the bold red tunics and towering bearskin hats — the Coldstream Guards are an enduring symbol of British tradition. The Changing of the Guard has been part of the nation’s history for centuries, dating back to the reign of King Henry VII.
For about three minutes, the guards filled the air outside Buckingham Palace with the unmistakable riffs of “Paranoid”, giving tourists and fans gathered outside a truly unforgettable tribute. Video footage of the moment quickly went viral, as people from around the globe celebrated the unique way Britain honored one of its most famous rock exports.
The timing of the tribute was deeply symbolic. It took place on the very same day as Ozzy Osbourne‘s funeral procession in Birmingham, England, where thousands lined the streets to bid farewell to the Prince of Darkness as his cortège passed through his hometown.
Ozzy‘s connection to the British royal family goes back decades. In 2002, he famously performed “Paranoid” for the late Queen Elizabeth II, then-Prince Charles, and Princes William and Harry during the “Party at the Palace” concert celebrating the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Just a year later, after Ozzy‘s near-fatal quad bike accident, Charles — now King Charles III — sent him a bottle of whiskey to lift his spirits.
Ozzy Osbourne died on the morning of July 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. In a statement, they shared, “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 served as a powerful reminder of how deeply Ozzy‘s music and legacy have resonated — from the streets of Birmingham to the halls of British royalty. His influence on rock and heavy metal is undeniable, and now, thanks to the Coldstream Guards, his memory has been immortalized in one of Britain’s most time-honored traditions.
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