A new exhibition about the band finally cements Birmingham’s reputation as the centre of a global musical phenomenon. ‘Home of Metal: Black Sabbath – 50 Years’ runs at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from 26 June to 29 September.
A blockbuster exhibition devoted to the music that was born in and around Birmingham. Music that turned up the volume, down-tuned the guitars, and introduced a whole new meaning to the word ‘heavy’. Black Sabbath 50 Years is an exhibition by Capsule, presented in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust.
The exhibition celebrates Black Sabbath from the perspective of their fans, to show the impact and cultural legacy of the band as pioneers of Heavy Metal, and to celebrate this unique, significant part of British music heritage.
From the humble beginnings of 1960s Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward created Black Sabbath, in turn forging a new sound, a new aesthetic, and a new musical culture – Heavy Metal. They’ve sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, ranked by MTV as the ‘Greatest Metal Band’ of all time and listed by Rolling Stone Magazine in their ‘100 greatest artists of all time. This year Black Sabbath will receive a Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Grammys. 50 years later Home of Metal celebrates the band, their impact on music and their dedicated global following.
This immersive exhibition will feature historical photos, ephemera, and memorabilia sourced directly from all of the original Black Sabbath members. Including personal stories that will demonstrate the extraordinary scale and diversity of Black Sabbath’s international fan-base together with a vast photography collection of over 3,000 portraits of fans from all corners of the globe.
Ozzy Osbourne’s trademark glasses. Photograph: Courtesy of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne/Home of Metal
Ozzy Osbourne’s crucifix. Photograph: Courtesy of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne/© Home of Metal
‘The cross was thrown up onstage to me at a stadium gig in San Francisco [in 1976]. Unfortunately it bounced off my bass, breaking a string, and hit me in the eye, but I carried on playing,’ Geezer Butler.Photograph: Geezer Butler/Home of Metal
Black Sabbath fans from around the world. Photograph: Katja Ogrin/Home of Metal
Ozzy Osbourne’s Gucci leather waistcoat worn during No More Tours 2 in 2018. Photograph: Courtesy of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne/Home of Metal
A walking cane made from a snooker cue by a fan and given to Geezer Butler at a concert in Stockholm 2016. Photograph: Geezer Butler/Home of Metal
Original program cover art from Black Sabbath’s first UK tour in 1971. Photograph: Home of Metal
Eight-track tape of ‘Black Sabbath Vol 4’ from 1972. Photograph: Garry Jennings/Home of Metal
A selection of Geezer Butler’s plectrums. Photograph: Geezer Butler/Home of Metal
Geezer Butler’s boot worn at Cal Jam 1974. Photograph: Katja Ogrin/Geezer Butler/Home of Metal
A Black Sabbath fan club membership card from 1993.Photograph: Chris Hopkins/Home of Metal
Geezer Butler sweet dispenser. Photograph: Geezer Butler/Home of Metal
Black Sabbath superfan Chris Hopkins. Photograph: Katja Ogrin
Black Sabbath concert tickets. Photograph: Home of Metal
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