This July, Birmingham – the birthplace of heavy metal – welcomes its prodigal sons back home. For the first time in two decades, the original Black Sabbath lineup will reunite for a historic show at Villa Park. Dubbed Back to the Beginning, this all-day event on 5 July is more than just a concert – it’s a celebration of the city that shaped the sound of a global movement. They will also be receiving the Freedom of the City Award from Birmingham City Council.

Whether you’ve got a ticket to the show or missed out and still want to soak up the atmosphere, here’s your essential guide to experiencing the legacy of Black Sabbath and the heavy metal spirit across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
 


The main event: Back to the Beginning – 5 July, Villa Park

The now sold-out reunion of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward marks the first full Black Sabbath performance in 20 years. As part of this one-off event, Ozzy will perform a solo set before joining his bandmates for one final bow.

The lineup features heavyweights from across the genre: Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, Mastodon – plus a specially assembled supergroup featuring members of Guns N’ Roses, Rage Against the Machine, Ghost, The Pretty Reckless and more. All profits will be going to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. 

It’s set to be an iconic night of music history – a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of heavy metal’s past, present, and future, and a final roar from the legends who built it.
 


Can’t make the concert? Or just want to keep the celebrations going? Here’s how to soak in the Sabbath spirit

Whether you didn’t score tickets or you're heading to the show and want to extend the experience, Birmingham is alive with the energy, history, and legacy of Black Sabbath. From iconic landmarks to legendary local haunts, here’s how to celebrate the godfathers of metal in their hometown on concert night and beyond.
 

1. Check out fresh street art of the band by Mr Murals

Navigation Street

Don’t miss the brand-new Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street set to be finished very soon, just steps from Birmingham New Street station. Created by renowned local artist Mr Murals, this 120ft spray-painted masterpiece immortalises Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward in jaw-dropping detail. 

If you’re looking for more art of the band, keep an eye out on the walk to Digbeth, and you’ll find Ozzy’s face adorning the walls of the Custard Factory too.

 

2. Ozzy Osbourne Exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

25 June – 28 September | Free Entry

Celebrate the legacy of the Prince of Darkness at Working Class Hero, a world-first exhibition featuring Ozzy’s awards, gold records, personal memorabilia, and rare photos. It’s an intimate look at his journey from Aston to global stardom. While you're nearby, check out the free outdoor Black Sabbath photo exhibit in Victoria Square, plus the massive tribute mural by Mr Murals on Navigation Street.


3. Take a seat on the Black Sabbath Bench

Broad Street Bridge

A must-see for any Sabbath fan. Unveiled in 2019, this tribute sculpture features images of the original band etched into steel, sitting just beside the newly named "Black Sabbath Bridge." It marks the spot where the band members once posed for an early press photo – now immortalised as part of Birmingham’s cultural landscape.


4. Snap a selfie with Ozzy the Mechanical Bull at Grand Central

Grand Central Station

A striking piece of public art named in honour of Ozzy Osbourne, this massive, mechanised bull (originally created for the 2022 Commonwealth Games) now lives at Grand Central. It’s a modern tribute to one of the city’s most iconic figures.

5. Visit The Crown Pub, where it all began

Station Street

Known as the "birthplace of heavy metal," The Crown Inn is where Black Sabbath played their first gig. Recently granted Grade II listed status, it stands as a testament to Birmingham's significant contribution to the global music industry. While its doors may be closed, simply standing at the site offers a powerful connection to the roots of heavy metal history.
 

6. Jim Simpson’s Live Blues Nights at Snobs

Snobs, Broad Street

Jim Simpson, Sabbath’s original manager, still champions Birmingham’s live music scene. Every Tuesday, he hosts Henry’s Blueshouse, a live blues night that’s been running since the late ’60s. Sundays see Birmingham Rocks, a rotating showcase of local and touring rock acts. Both are low-key, intimate, and offer a direct link to the musical roots Sabbath grew from.
 

7. The Birth of Heavy Metal in a Baroque Garden

Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens, 6 July

Step into the roots of Sabbath where it all began - with original gear from their earliest studio sessions on display, including Ozzy’s first mic and vintage recording equipment from Zella Studios. Held in the stunning 18th-century Music Room, the event also features industry insiders sharing stories and sounds from metal’s birth. An unexpected but unforgettable tribute - grab your tickets now.
 

8. BBC Celebrates Metal in the Midlands at Town Hall

Birmingham Town Hall, 2 July, 7pm

Experience the past and future of heavy music at Birmingham Town Hall, where Sabbath once shook the rafters. BBC Radio WM’s one-night celebration includes live sets from rising metal acts Cherrydead, Gans, and Meatdripper, plus film screenings, panel talks, and DJ sets. A must for fans of metal’s next generation and its legendary origins.


9. Black Sabbath - The Ballet

Birmingham Hippodrome, 18-27 September

Heavy metal meets contemporary dance in this bold reimagining of Sabbath’s music. Orchestrated, choreographed, and visually immersive, it’s one of the more unexpected tributes to the band’s cultural impact. Get your tickets early!

 

10. Ozzy Osbourne Sculpture

Selfridges, Bullring

Have a selfie with a life-sized sculpture of The Prince of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne as you’ve never seen him before, made entirely from bricks! Ozzy will be on display at the iconic Selfridges Birmingham.

 

11. Black Sabbath Visitor Guide and the Story of Sabbath

Put on your headphones, lock into BBC Sounds’ The Story of Black Sabbath, download a free Summer of Sabbath map and take a walk around the city and soak up the atmosphere. Highlighting the locations of the events taking place and some of the sites associated with the pioneers of Heavy Metal, the map is bound to become a treasured souvenir of the Summer of Sabbath.

 

12. The Visit of Oz

3-6 July - Various Locations

15 venues, 25 performances with 22 of them free admission this a celebration of the great Black Sabbath programmed by Big Bear, led by the band’s first manager and founder of the legendary Henry’s Blueshouse.

Performances are taking place in pubs and bars, music instrument stores and even libraries. Jim will also be hosting a very special talk and Q&A on a canal boat!

13. Bulls in the City

16 July - 14 September

Wild in Art return to the city with their Bulls in the City art trail inspired by Laurence Broderick’s famous bronze Bullring sculpture. Hidden amongst the trail will be some special Black Sabbath themed bulls. Can you find them?
 

14. The Exchange

Centenary Square

Visit one of Birmingham’s most beautiful and important buildings, The Exchange as it’s lit up in celebration of Black Sabbath. Once the site of the Municipal Bank, The Exchange is now home to the University of Birmingham who programme events and exhibitions all year round.

 

15. Castle Fine Art's Sabbath Exhibition

The Mailbox Gallery, from 25 June

Catch artist Jon Jones’ new collection of Black Sabbath-inspired works at Castle Fine Art in the Mailbox. Featuring lifelike portraits and iconic band imagery, including a limited-edition Sabbath portrait, this exhibition offers a fresh, artistic take on the band’s legendary legacy.

 

16. Join the Black Sabbath Walking Tour

Navigation Street – Saturday 5 July

Celebrate Sabbath’s roots on the morning of their reunion gig with a special walking tour through key band landmarks, from the new mural on Navigation Street to the Crown pub and Sabbath bench. Led by Positively Birmingham’s Jonathan Berg, it’s a unique mix of music history and city pride. Includes a free copy of Discovering Birmingham.
 


Fuel your pilgrimage with delicious food and drink

Whether you’re after comfort food, a high-end feast or something late-night and loud, Birmingham’s food scene caters to Sabbath fans of all tastes. Here’s where to refuel:
 

Bonehead

Upper John Street

This independent fried chicken joint has a serious cult following. Loud music, bold design, and unapologetically indulgent food – fried chicken sandwiches stacked sky-high, wings coated in Korean spice or buffalo heat, and skin-on fries done right.
 

The Wilderness

Jewellery Quarter

A Michelin-recommended fine dining spot with a heart that beats in 4/4. Their multi-course tasting menus are imaginative and beautifully presented, but don’t mistake this place for a quiet dinner. Expect a playlist of rock, punk and heavy metal – and the cocktails are just as bold. A must for anyone wanting to pair culinary creativity with an edge.
 

Fancy something else? Discover more places to eat in and around Birmingham.

 

For a rocking night out

If your ideal evening includes loud guitars, local brews, and a bit of attitude, these Birmingham spots deliver serious alternative energy:
 

  • Eddies Rock Club: Join Eddie’s at their unofficial after show party. Long established as one of the main rock nights, Eddies will be hosted at the RedCorc Bar

  • Attic Brew at The Barrel Store: Attic Brew have a special pre-gig event on at their Barrel Store in the Jewellery Quarter featuring live music, a special Sabbath inspired black lager and exclusive merch!

  • Rock and Roll Brewhouse: An independent brewery where the décor is all Marshall stacks and vintage posters, and the beer is made on-site. Sabbath fans will feel right at home.
     
  • The Flapper and Firkin: A canalside venue that’s played host to rock bands for decades. Recently revived and run by musicians and promoters who care deeply about the scene. Join the gang at Flappers on Kingston Row for a weekend of Black Sabbath related events. From live streaming the gig, tattoo artists, metal market and DJ’s playing Sabbath inspired sets it’s all happening.
     
  • Dead Wax: In the heart of Digbeth, Dead Wax mixes vinyl culture with gritty live shows. Their beer garden and record wall make it a great stop even outside of gig hours.
     
  • Spoilers: Fresh on the scene in Digbeth, Spoilers blends cult horror, metal memorabilia, and arcade machines with a fully loaded gig calendar. An instant favourite.
     
  • Merlin’s Cafe Bar: Gothic decor, dark cocktails, and themed nights make this a favourite for the city’s alt crowd. Expect a mix of heavy playlists, candlelit corners, and loud, loyal regulars.
  • Subside: Rock club Subside, in Digbeth, have a full programme of events celebrating the final concert. With live music, DJ’s, live straming of the gig and more live music the party will go until 6am each day!
     
  • Scruffy Murphy’s: Leading rock venue and bar Scruffy Murphy’s are hosting a full weekend of Black Sabbath related events. From live music, live streaming of the gig and themed drinks, it’s all happening at Scruffy’s.
     
  • The Witton Arms: Just 100 metres from Villa Park, The Witton Arms in Aston is the perfect pre- or post-concert stop for Sabbath fans heading to the reunion show. This family-friendly pub welcomes home football fans, screens live sports, and regularly hosts live music and entertainment. Keep an eye on their socials for gig-night happenings – it’s as local as it gets.
     


Final tips

  • Most venues and events listed are walkable from the city centre. Use Grand Central Station (New Street) as your hub.
     
  • Digbeth is the go-to area for underground music, art, and food – spend an evening there and follow the noise.
     
  • Look out for special Sabbath-themed menus, drinks, and nights at bars and venues across the city in the run-up to July 5, as well as even more celebrations of the band to be announced…
     


Back to the Beginning at Villa Park isn’t just a concert – it’s a cultural moment. And whether you’re there in person or celebrating around the city, Birmingham is ready to welcome you into the heart of heavy metal history. If you want to learn more about the region's vibrant music history, read this blog next.

For a visual walkthrough of some of the places mentioned in this blog, check out this video. Time to start planning your rock n roll trip to Brum!