News
Army Band Pays Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne With Black Sabbath Cover
Aug
King Charles III’s Guards Honor Ozzy Osbourne with Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid”
In a striking tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, the Coldstream Guards, King Charles III’s official army band, performed Black Sabbath’s iconic “Paranoid” during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace on July 30, 2025. Decked out in their signature red tuning‑fork uniforms, the band delivered the heavy metal classic with brass, woodwinds, and snare drums—an unusual yet powerful gesture of respect for the rock legend known affectionately as the “Prince of Darkness.”
🎤 Ozzy Osbourne: From Prince of Darkness to Heavy Metal Icon
Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, rose to fame as founding lead vocalist of Black Sabbath. He helped pioneer heavy metal with classic tracks from Paranoid (1970), Iron Man, and War Pigs. His farewell show came on July 5, 2025, during the Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham with the original Sabbath lineup. Seventeen days later, he passed away on July 22, 2025, at age 76.
A Royal Reinterpretation: “Paranoid” in Pageantry
Unlike typical military music at formal state events, the Coldstream Guards’ rendition of “Paranoid” fused regal pageantry with rock energy outside Buckingham Palace. This rare performance resonated globally, with many fans noting the symbolic honoring of a monarch’s public recognition of a working‑class musical trailblazer.
🎺 Birmingham’s Farewell: Ozzy’s Public Funeral Procession
Route & Attendance
On July 30, 2025, Ozzy’s funeral procession made its way through his hometown, Birmingham, beginning on Broad Street and proceeding to the symbolic Black Sabbath Bridge and Bench, where countless fans had left tributes. A crowd of thousands lined the route to pay homage.
Musical Tribute by Bostin’ Brass
Local ensemble Bostin’ Brass accompanied the procession, performing Black Sabbath compositions live. Music selections included “Iron Man”, creating a moving score to the cortege.
Family’s Emotional Farewell
Ozzy’s widow Sharon Osbourne, and children Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and son Louis joined the public tribute at the Black Sabbath Bridge. Emotional moments included Sharon laying pink roses wrapped in purple ribbon, family embraces, and fans chanting “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!” Kelly sported purple‑lensed glasses, Aimee wore a bat pendant, and Louis donned a skull‑themed tie—each symbolizing their father’s enduring style.
Tribute in Music & Legacy
The procession was intended as a celebration as much as a farewell—Ozzy had expressed his desire for a joyful send‑off, not a somber vigil. The Birmingham council, in collaboration with his family, funded the event and ensured traffic closures to allow safe passage. Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal remarked that Ozzy was “more than a music legend—he was a son of Birmingham,” who truly put the city on the map.
🎵 King Charles’s Musical Patronage
Since ascending to the throne in May 2023, King Charles has embraced music as part of cultural diplomacy and royal tradition. His band has performed unconventional selections—including earlier in July a rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” to coincide with Pride festivities. Charles also launched his own Apple Music show, The King’s Music Room, citing music’s power to lift spirits and unite people.
Homepage: Printoniapparels