BBC Celebrates Black Sabbath with New Metal Acts and Upcoming Reunion Show in Birmingham

The BBC has announced a special event celebrating Black Sabbath, the legendary heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1968. Scheduled for 2 July at the city’s town hall, the celebration will feature performances from three emerging metal bands — Cherrydead, Gans, and Meatdripper — all hailing from Birmingham. This concert, part of the ‘BBC Radio WM Celebrates Metal in the Midlands’ event, is being held in collaboration with B: Music and Home of Metal. In addition to live music, the event will include a film screening and an industry panel discussion. The timing of the event coincides with heightened anticipation for Black Sabbath’s final reunion performance, set to take place at Villa Park on 5 July. This historic concert will see Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward return to the stage alongside bands they’ve inspired like Metallica, Pantera, and Slayer. Organizers and artists alike expressed pride in Birmingham’s legacy as the birthplace of heavy metal. BBC Radio WM editor Chris Pegg emphasized the event’s significance for emerging talent, while musicians from Cherrydead and Meatdripper shared their excitement about honoring Black Sabbath’s influence. Tickets are currently on sale for the July event.