Celebrity
Royal Tribute To Ozzy: Guards Sing Black Sabbath Classic At Buckingham Palace
During a ceremonial guard change, the British military band performed an unexpected cover, providing a musical tribute that received accolades on the internet.
The Band of the Coldstream Guards played Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” in front of Buckingham Palace on July 30, 2025. It was a unique occasion for an army institution to honour one of Britain’s most significant musical personalities in public. Ozzy Osbourne passed away a little more than a week prior.
The military band can be seen performing one of the most well-known heavy metal tunes in a video posted by the About London social media accounts on Wednesday. This took place during the ritual known as the Changing of the Guard, which replaces the soldiers on patrol with the following rotation.
The band members performed a variety of brass instruments during the tribute while sporting their typical Coldstream Guards attire, which included tall black bearskin caps with a crimson plume, dark trousers with red stripes and bright red jackets.
The video has received over 100,000 views and over 400 comments from online users worldwide, many of whom have commended the tribute.
In the comments section, one TikToker wrote, “This is awesome. Proudest ive [sic] felt of this country for about 15 years.” Another wrote, “Never seen anything like it! Super proud!!!”
One person added, “Fantastic! Thank you for honoring ‘The Prince of Darkness’ ❤️,” while someone else noted, “Don’t think any musician has had this done after their passing [sic].”
“There’s something you don’t see everyday [sic] ❤️❤️❤️,” said another netizen, and one viewer shared, “I have never seen this before!! Well done to the king for letting this happen your a legend ozzy you have more fans young and old more then you think you would of been proud [sic].”
Another expressed, “The absolute best! Pure respect across all levels!” and someone else commented, “Outstanding! What a tribute.. RIP Ozzy .”
One fan called it a “fantastic tribute to Ozzy,” while another added, “What a unique and powerful tribute! It’s incredible to see the Coldstream Guards perform Paranoid — truly a blend of tradition and rock. RIP to Ozzy Osbourne, a legend in every way.”
Originally established by General George Monck in 1650, the Coldstream Guards are the oldest unit in the British Army.
When King Charles II permitted a small group of musicians to serve with the King’s Regiment of Foot Guards in 1685, the band itself was born. They were contracted to provide music for the Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of St. James Palace once a month.
Since then, the Band of the Coldstream Guards has played in important music venues and events, earning them a reputation as one of the most prestigious military bands in the world.
In Birmingham, Osbourne’s hometown, a funeral procession headed by the Bostin’s Brass band proceeded through the city towards the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge on the same day that they paid their respects to him.
Large crowds gathered behind barricades, the Osbourne family holding each other as they gazed at the fans and the gifts left behind, and other images of the occasion have been posted to the Prince of Darkness’ Instagram page.
However, after the rock star’s passing on July 22, Birmingham has seen other memorials. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performed a number of his song covers in the Bullring shopping centre the day after he passed away.
The mall captioned their Instagram post with, “Honouring one of Birmingham’s own with the music that shaped generations .”
In addition, a city public figure has expressed support for the rock star. Ozzy Osbourne was unique, according to Ed James, the BBC Radio WM presenter, during a live show on July 24.
“You can’t picture anyone like him at all,” James continued on air. “There isn’t anyone who has done what he’s done, in the way that he’s done it. He had a zest for life; he did it his way.”
In addition, the radio host discussed Osbourne’s last performance on July 5 and noted how the rock singer appeared worn out and his voice had changed.
“But he still had it. He still had whatever it was that made Ozzy, Ozzy,” James affirmed. “And when the crowd roared, you saw the energy surge through him, and you saw it in his eyes. And when he laughed on stage, you just got the impression that he was right where he wanted to be.”
James went on to thank Osbourne for his music, closing this tribute with the icon’s own quote, “I’m just John Osbourne, a working class kid from Aston who left the factory and went looking for a good time,” to which the presenter affirmed, “And my god did he find it.”
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