July 30, 2025, the Band of the Coldstream Guards paid a unique tribute to Ozzy Osbourne by performing Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
The surprise performance honored the rock icon just over a week after his passing and quickly went viral online, with fans praising the emotional gesture as “powerful,” “unique,” and “deeply respectful.”
The Coldstream Guards, Britain’s oldest regiment, are known for their ceremonial performances. This tribute stood out by blending royal tradition with heavy metal—something many said Ozzy would have loved.
The performance coincided with a large memorial service in Ozzy’s hometown, Birmingham, where thousands lined the streets for a funeral procession past landmarks like the Black Sabbath Bench.
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra also performed his songs, and tributes poured in across the UK.
From classical tributes to military bands, the outpouring reflected Ozzy Osbourne’s profound impact on British culture—far beyond the world of heavy metal.