In Birmingham, follow the traces of Punk, Heavy Metal, and the New Romantic Movement. Find out how the city’s industrial history laid foundation for completely new music genres. Enjoy unforgettable nights in one of the numerous live music venues. And be thrilled by Aston Villa’s ardent fanbase.

Explore hidden music gems when on tour. Discover music stories beyond the common sightseeing spots. Where history of Rock is revealed and brought to life again.

Birmingham aka Brum is the birthplace of once entirely new musical genres such as Heavy Metal and New Romantic and home for world-famous bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Duran Duran, or Led Zeppelin. Boasting with huge gig venues and intimate basement bars, if offers a vibrant live music scene, hosting global acts as well as supporting local bands.

The city’s culture of popular music first time evolved in the mid-50s, and by the early 1960s Birmingham's music scene had developed into one of the largest and most bustling in the UK. The following years will define the city’s characteristic in terms of music: the refusal of its musicians to conform to one single genre. This diversity and culture of experimentation has made Brum a fertile ground of new musical styles, of which many have gained global influence. Led Zeppelin formed in 1968, marking an significant mixture of the musical influences of the two cities London and Birmingham. Heavy Metal was born in the Midlands city in the early 70s by combining the melodic pop of Liverpool, the high volume guitar-based blues sound of London with compositional techniques from Birmingham's own Jazz heritage. Society’s industrial basis has also played a significant role as early Heavy Metal artists such as Black Sabbath described the mechanical monotony of industrial everyday life, the desolation of the post-war urban environment, and the hammering sound of factory machinery as influences on their tunes. These were the days when Brum’s famous night clubs provided a breeding ground for Metal and Punk by hosting local bands like The Killjoys. Ran from 1968 to 1971, Mothers in Erdington was the ultimate hippie venue in town.

As the 1980s arrived, the New Romantic movement with supergroup Duran Duran was born. Napalm Death with their Grindcore style evolved from fusing the influences of Extreme Metal and Hardcore Punk. On 2 May 1980, Joy Division took stage at Birmingham University's High Hall for what would be their final concert. The post-punk band rushed through 11 songs in about 45 minutes. Highlight of the evening was the debut of their brand-new song Ceremony. This would be the only time Joy Division ever performed the track live. Listen to a live recording here. Frontman Ian Curtis had to be helped off the stage during the second-to-last song and sadly, about two weeks after the gig, on 18 May, he took his own life.

In the new millennium, The Editors took stage: a Dark Indie Rock band, having formed in Birmingham in 2002. Nowadays, centuries after Black Sabbath was released, Birmingham is still not a pretty place at all. On first glance, it may be one of the gloomiest and most desolate places you have seen. But let’s give it a chance - immerse into its live music scene and night life, chat to some Brummies - and in the end, you will love Brum.

Also check out Birmingham Music Archive for interesting stories and facts regarding the music history of the city.