In a moment that stunned tourists and lifelong fans alike, the Band of the Coldstream Guards shattered royal protocol on July 30, 2025, by performing Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” during the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace—a powerful and unexpected tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal, who passed away just eight days prior.
As the iconic riff echoed through the palace gates, crowds erupted in cheers. The military band, dressed in full ceremonial uniform and bearskin hats, delivered a polished, brass-heavy version of the 1970 classic, replacing distortion with dignity but losing none of its rebellious spirit.
“This is Britishness at its best,” said one spectator. “The Proudest I’ve felt of this country in 15 years.”
Though the royal ritual is typically reserved for classical and patriotic tunes, this wasn’t the first brush between Ozzy and the monarchy. He had performed at Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, met then-Prince Charles during a Prince’s Trust event in 2006, and even received a bottle of scotch from Charles after a serious accident in 2003.
But this time, the monarchy honored him.
As the performance took place in London, thousands of fans simultaneously gathered in Birmingham, Ozzy’s hometown, to bid farewell during his public funeral procession. Later that evening, a private funeral was held at his Buckinghamshire estate, attended by music legends like Elton John, Marilyn Manson, and Corey Taylor.
Ozzy’s legacy—born in the gritty streets of Birmingham and echoed on global stages—now rings through the gates of Buckingham Palace.
A working-class hero… saluted by kings.
