Birmingham is the birthplace of heavy metal.
Slipknot, Slash, Slayer — they’d be nothing without the Brum boys that birthed the riffs that changed the history of rock and roll: Black Sabbath and Judas Priest.
Forget Peaky Blinders; heavy metal is the real reason to visit Birmingham and these must-see locations show you where metal was born.
Image Credit: Getty Images, joe daniel price. Image Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Birmingham: The birthplace of heavy metal
Throw your devil horns in the air and headbang with us to Brum.
Where is Ozzy Osbourne from?
Ozzy Osbourne is from Birmingham, England. His childhood home is at 14 Lodge Road in Aston Park, north of the city center (Witton is the nearest [crazy] train station). Should you want to visit, remember that this is a residential area full of people who probably don’t want you shouting “Mama, I’m coming home!” outside in your best Brummie Ozzy Osbourne accent.
Where is Black Sabbath from?
Black Sabbath hails from Birmingham, England, as are its core members Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward. Other one-time members like Geoff Nicholls and Tony Martin were also born and bred Birmingham.
Where is Judas Priest from?
Judas Priest came onto the scene in Birmingham, England, not long after Black Sabbath did. Members Al Atkins, Ian Hill, and K.K. Downing were born a few miles from Birmingham in West Bromwich (where Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant also called home), Glenn Tipton was close by in Blackheath, and Rob Halford was from just north in Sutton Coldfield.
Which Birmingham heavy metal bands are still active today?
Sadly, Black Sabbath is no more (though we’re still holding out hope to hear Ozzy belt the hits with Zakk Sabbath one last time). Bands that first rocked in or close to Birmingham that are still rolling today include Judas Priest, Napalm Death, and Godflesh.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maremagnum. Image Location: Birmingham, England
Birmingham locations every metalhead must visit
If you think Birmingham swept its heavy metal history under the rug, you’ve got another thing comin’…
The Crown Inn
Closest station: Birmingham New Street
Shuttered like so many of the clubs where heavy metal’s originators played, The Crown Inn was where Black Sabbath played their first shows as “Earth”. Judas Priest also played at 65 Station Street, the “birthplace of heavy metal”, and has recently received Grade II listing to protect its cultural significance.
Black Sabbath Bridge & Bench
Closest station: Birmingham New Street
Who needs Abbey Road when you’ve got the Black Sabbath Bridge? This small bridge is named for the legendary band and has a dedicated bench with Tony, Ozzy, Bill, and Geezer’s portraits displayed.
AutoBrew’s Ozzy Art
Closest station: Bordesley | Birmingham Moor Street
The AutoBrew bar features a mural of the Prince of Darkness. It’s a self-serve bar in Digbeth surrounded by other watering holes, including Dead Wax, which has live music.
Ozzy the Bull
Closest station: Birmingham New Street
The easiest heavy metal landmark to see if you’re taking the train to Birmingham is Ozzy the Bull — a giant mechanical bull named after the hometown singer.
Iron Man
Closest station: Birmingham New Street
Not far from Birmingham New Street train station, an Iron Man statue stands tall outside of the town hall at Victoria Square. This large sculpture pays homage to Black Sabbath’s song and their early days of playing at Birmingham Town Hall.
St John’s Hall, Essington
Closest station: Bloxwich
If you make the train trek just outside of Birmingham, you can see the Essington Working Mens Club where Judas Priest played their first gig in 1971.
Image Credit: Getty Images, joe daniel price. Image Location: Birmingham, England
Metal festivals around England
Celebrate all forms of metal (yes, even nu metal) at these annual festivals around the UK.
Download Festival
Where: Donington Park Circuit
Closest station: East Midlands Parkway
Train from London: 1h 30m from London St Pancras International
Bloodstock Open Air
Where: Walton-on-Trent
Closest station: Burton-on-Trent
Train from London: 1h 52m from London St Pancras or London Euston
Radar Festival
Where: O2 Victoria Warehouse
Closest station: Trafford Park
Train from London: 2h 39m from London Euston
Slam Dunk
Where: Temple Newsam (North) | Hatfield Park (South)
Closest station: Woodlesford | Hatfield
Train from London: 2h 35m from London Kings Cross | 25m from London Kings Cross
ArcTanGent
Where: Fernhill Farm
Closest station: Nailsea & Blackwell
Train from London: 2h 4m from London Paddington
Damnation
Where: Bowlers Exhibition Centre
Closest station: Trafford Park
Train from London: 2h 39m from London Euston
Ready to explore the birthplace of metal? Then download the Trainline app today and turn it up to 11 with us.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, brightstars. Image Location: Turkey
