Birmingham becomes global attraction for Black Sabbath fans

16 Sep 2019 11:25 AM

Thousands of people from across the world have travelled to Birmingham this summer to celebrate local icons and global superstars, Black Sabbath.

More than 18,000 visitors, from countries including Czech Republic, Mexico, Japan, Poland, Uruguay and the United States have already seen the Home of Metal exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG)

A family of chidren play electric guitar at the Black Sabbath exhibition.

The exhibition which features over 1,000 items celebrating the band and their global fanbase, also celebrates Birmingham and the Black Country as the birthplace of heavy metal music.

Eager fans have travelled to see rare objects like Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic glasses and crucifix, part of Bill Ward's drum kit used in the 1974 Cal Jam, Tony Iommi’s home studio and outfits worn on stage at some of the band’s most legendary shows, including an one worn by Geezer Butler at a concert at Birmingham's Town Hall.

A map of metal at Home of Metal

The band’s devoted fans are celebrated throughout the exhibition and visitors can see rare memorabilia and collections from some of the band’s followers, including a customised Black Sabbath motorbike.

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England, yesterday said:

“We’re really proud to support Capsule at BMAG, and this huge exhibition which tells the story of Black Sabbath's unique cultural legacy as pioneers of the cultural phenomenon we know as heavy metal.

“Great art, culture, history and heritage have the power to connect us all, and this is a fantastic opportunity for people across the world to not only visit and experience what Birmingham has to offer, but to celebrate it too.”

Home of Metal: Black Sabbath – 50 years runs at BMAG until 29 September and is conceived and produced by Capsule, under the leadership of its founder and artistic director, Lisa Meyer.

Visit www.homeofmetal.com