Birmingham's music heritage

Birmingham has given the world an astonishing range of music. Heavy metal was born here, and the city has produced some of the biggest names in rock, pop, reggae and electronic music. Here is a guide to the city's musical heritage.

The birthplace of heavy metal

In 1968, four young men from Aston formed a band that became Black Sabbath. Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward created a heavy, dark sound that became known as heavy metal. Their albums Black Sabbath and Paranoid, both released in 1970, changed rock music forever.

In July 2025, the band played a farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, at Villa Park, weeks before Osbourne's death. Thousands lined the streets of the city for his funeral procession. The Black Sabbath Bench on Broad Street has become a place of pilgrimage for fans.

Judas Priest, another pioneer of heavy metal, also formed in Birmingham, in 1969.

The Brum Beat and beyond

In the 1960s, Birmingham had a thriving beat scene. The Moody Blues formed in Erdington in 1964 and went on to sell millions of records. The Spencer Davis Group, featuring Steve Winwood, had hits such as Keep On Running.

In the 1970s, Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra blended rock with orchestral sounds and became one of the most successful bands of the decade. Roy Wood's Wizzard gave the world the Christmas classic I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.

Reggae and two tone

Birmingham's Caribbean community helped create a vibrant reggae scene. Steel Pulse, from Handsworth, released Handsworth Revolution in 1978. UB40, formed in Balsall Heath in 1978, became one of the best-selling bands in Britain.

Dexys Midnight Runners, formed in the city in 1978, had huge hits including Come On Eileen.

New romantics

Duran Duran formed in Birmingham in 1978 and played early gigs at the Rum Runner club near Broad Street. They became one of the biggest bands of the 1980s.

Modern sounds

More recent Birmingham artists include The Streets, the project of Mike Skinner, and a strong grime and hip-hop scene. Artists from the city continue to make their mark in genres from bhangra to techno.

Where to hear music today

Birmingham has venues of every size, from the Utilita Arena and the O2 Academy to intimate rooms in Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter. Symphony Hall and the Town Hall host everything from classical music to jazz and folk.

A musical trail

The Birmingham Walk of Stars on Broad Street honours many of the city's musicians, including Ozzy Osbourne, Jeff Lynne and members of Duran Duran and UB40. A walk along it is a great introduction to the city's musical history.

From heavy metal to reggae, Birmingham's music has travelled the world, and its influence is still heard today.