What’s there to say about Black Sabbath that hasn’t been said before? The heavy metal pioneers inspired thousands of people, sold millions of records, have been streamed billions of times, and essentially made rock music what it is today. Quite the feat for four humble men—Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, bassist Butler, and Ozzy Osbourne—from Birmingham.
The original members will play together for the first time in 20 years with one last performance at Villa Park on Saturday, July 5. Black Sabbath fans from all over the world will descend on the city for what’s been described as “the greatest heavy metal show ever.” Local or not, our Black Sabbath tour guide should help you get a little closer to the greatest rock band Birmingham ever produced!
1. Ozzy the Bull
Any guided tour of Birmingham should start with Ozzy the Bull. Named after the Prince of Darkness, this 33-foot mechanical bull won this city’s hearts during the 2022 Commonwealth Games, but now sits proudly in New Street Station. If you’re after another Sabbath-inspired statue, Antony Gormley’s Iron Man lives nearby in Victoria Square.
2. Black Sabbath Bridge & Bench
Everyone from Anvil to Anthrax and Behemoth has made the pilgrimage to sit with Tony, Bill, Geezer and Ozzy. The Black Sabbath Bridge and Bench on Broad Street (unveiled by Tony Iommi and Brummie comedian Jasper Carrot in 2019) remains the ideal resting spot in Birmingham. Nearby is the Broad Street Walk of Stars, too, featuring all the members of the band.
3. Black Sabbath street art
Ahead of the ‘Back to the Beginning’ gig, the world-renowned street artist Mr Murals is creating a spectacular 120ft mural of Black Sabbath on Navigation Street, right next to Birmingham New Street Station. It’s not the only Sabbath street art in town either.
This includes another stunning mural adorning the Short Stay Car Park at Birmingham Coach Station on Rea Street in Digbeth, while the Prince of Darkness is commemorated next to the UK’s first self-service bar, Auto Brew.
4. Two free exhibitions
There’s currently a free-to-enter exhibition (June 25 to September 28) at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Showcasing Ozzy Osbourne’s most prestigious international honours, alongside photography and video, it’s being hailed as a ‘world first’.
‘Working Class Hero’ charts the Black Sabbath singer’s journey from “a working-class kid from Aston” to the world’s most recognisable global rock legend – with Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame accolades, MTV awards, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham Walk of Stars honours and his platinum and gold discs. Elsewhere, fans can also enjoy a free outdoor Black Sabbath photography exhibition in Victoria Square.
5. Ozzy’s childhood home
Probably only one for mega-fans. There’s no blue plaque outside, but 14 Lodge Road near Aston Park is where Ozzy Osbourne grew up. Please, don’t bother the current occupants, though.
6. Selfridges
Selfridges has launched its very own immersive Black Sabbath fan experience. On top of a six-metre wide portrait of the band by Mr Murals, you can also purchase exclusive Black Sabbath merch from a pop-up inside Selfridges (until July 21), including jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, and accessories, alongside band memorabilia and gifts. There are even limited edition leather jackets signed by Ozzy himself.
7. Swordfish Records
If you consider yourself a real metalhead, then listening to ‘War Pigs’ through AirPods on Spotify isn’t going to cut it. You need vinyl records—and where better than the coolest record store in Birmingham? Swordfish Records started life on Hurst Street back in 1979 for punk and post-punk vinyl. But, having moved around a bit, it is now located on Dalton Street, selling new and used vinyl and CDs, plus plenty of collectables.
8. The Crown
The Crown on Station Street was built back in 1881, but didn’t find its calling until almost a century later. Black Sabbath played their first-ever gig here, while the likes of Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest also famously performed. From the early 70s to the 80s, it was arguably one of the most important music venues in the UK.
The ‘birthplace of heavy metal’ has been closed for over a decade now, but recently attaining listed status, there’s hope that it will eventually reopen. If you want to catch some music in the city, the latest talent can be found at dedicated alternative rock and metal venues like Subside, Scruffy Murphy’s, The Asylum, and The Flapper.
9. The Wilderness
The Wilderness has nothing to do with Black Sabbath. But if you’re hungry in Birmingham, there’s nowhere better for rock ‘n’ roll fans. Combining heavy metal and haute cuisine, Alex Claridge’s one-of-a-kind restaurant serves innovative and surprising tasting menus set to a punk and heavy metal soundtrack inside a restored factory—now that’s metal!
10. Black Sabbath – The Ballet
Almost two years after ‘Black Sabbath – The Ballet’ made its world premiere in Birmingham, the theatrical performance returns to the Second City this September. Catch the Birmingham Royal Ballet dance alongside full orchestrations of the legendary hits like ‘Paranoid’ and ‘Iron Man’—as well as new orchestral works inspired by Black Sabbath. There are 12 performances at the Birmingham Hippodrome from September 18 to 27, 2025.