Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that Black Sabbath will be performing one last show 'Back to the Beginning' at Villa Park, Birmingham in July, with many attendees expecting to fly into the UK just for this once-in-a-lifetime mega show.
As a Brummie I am fascinated with the idea of people from a completely different walk of life getting a taste of my homeland. While London has 'Big Ben' and 'Buckingham Palace', many often ask, "So what's in Birmingham?" If you are a metal head, you're in good luck! Here are some places you should check out while visiting 'the home of metal'...
Black Sabbath Bridge & Bench
Located on the nightlife epicentre, Broad Street, the Black Sabbath Bench was unveiled in 2019. The stainless steel bench features images of the original band members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—alongside the inscription "Geezer. Ozzy. Tony. Bill. Made in Birmingham 1968." The bench is a popular spot for fans to visit, sit, and take photos in honour of Black Sabbath’s legacy.
The Walk of Stars
While you are already on Broad Street, this is a great opportunity to see Birmingham's answer to the Hollywood 'Walk of Fame'. Each member of Sabbath has their own star with Ozzy getting his in 2007 and Bill as recently as 2019, as well as a collective one for the whole band. See who else you recognise too!
Ozzy The Bull
After taking centre stage at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the enormous mechanical bull came to represent Birmingham. After a public vote, the original name, Raging Bull, was changed to "Ozzy" in recognition of Ozzy Osbourne and the city's musical history. Constructed from scrap metal, the 10-meter-tall bull was spared from demolition and was unveiled by Sharon Osbourne inside Birmingham New Street Station. If you are around the station at 15 minutes past the hour, you will see Ozzy come to life and roar.
The Crown
Since you're already at New Street Station, head to the exit near Wetherspoons and go down the steps, there you will see The Crown pub. A historic music venue famous for its connection to Black Sabbath. It was one of the first places where the band—then called Earth—performed before adopting their iconic name. Sadly it is closed and boarded up, but has recently been saved from demolition due to the legacy of Sabbath.
Lucifer at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
You know you're in the Home of Metal when we have Satan standing in the heart of our main museum...well sort of. Inspired by John Milton's 'Paradise Lost', Sir Jacob Epstein depicted the archangel Lucifer in a bronze statue.
14 Lodge Road
The childhood home of The Prince of Darkness, not too far from Villa Park. On The way you can also pass Ozzy's primary school, Prince Albert Junior & Infant School on Albert Street.
And if you are looking for some things to do to kill time that still have an element of metal here are some recommendations...
The Pubs and Bars!
Birmingham has many metal and rock bars to offer. They may not be the most appealing to the eye for your average person, but many have a sense of community and down to earth vibe. Subside and Scruffy Murphy's are favourites amongst those who love to rock.
The Record Stores
If you have any money left after forking out for your trip to Back To The Beginning, picking up a vinyl may be an excellent souvenir. Locals highly recommend Swordfish Records, Ignite Records (Inside Oasis Market) or for something a little bit more commercial, the HMV Vault is one of the largest entertainment stores in Europe, with a large collection of vinyl and even a stage for a band set.
Oasis Market
I like many others who grew up alternative would make the pilgrimage to Oasis Market to purchase some of our first pieces of band merch and goth clothing. With several floors and different stalls, The Oasis offers clothing, records, collectables and jewellery (also if you're brave that day, piercings and tattoos.) It unfortunately isn't quite the same as in it's prime pre-2010, but still worth a look!
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