Black Sabbath, E.L.O. Duran Duran, UB40 and The Moody Blues all hail from Birmingham, a city known for its fantastic live music venues. Below are brief details on nine of the most popular.
1 – Symphony Hall [The International Convention Centre, Broad Street]
This city centre venue is a popular spot for the usual classical and pop genres, and more. Hundreds of events are hosted here each year with a combined audience of around 400,000.
2 – Barclaycard Arena [King Edwards Road]
Although smaller than the Symphony, this arena can still hold nearly 16,000 people for shows by big names from both rock and popular music. With several restaurants on site it’s a great place to make a night of it.
3 – The O2 Institute
Boasting 3 rooms with a 300 – 1,500 maximum capacity, the O2 is able to showcase both established musicians and those searching for stardom.
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4 – The Hare & Hounds [106 High Street, Kings Heath]
This eclectic venue serves up musical acts from all genres and at all stages of their career, along with good craft beer, top-notch food and a warm welcome to all.
5 – The Red Lion Folk Club [The Red Lion, Vicarage Road, Kings Heath]
A place which welcomes everyone to Thursday evening gigs. Pay a fiver for membership for discounted tickets.
6 – The Sunflower Lounge [76 Smallbrook Queensway]
With a bar upstairs and a music venue for 120 on the ground floor, expect to see both local musicians and established bands.
7- Centrala [Unit 4 Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley Street, Digbeth]
This not-for-profit space hosts experimental musicians in its two live event space.
8 – The Night Owl [17 Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth]
It’s all about Motown and Northern Soul here, with weekends boasting live music acts.
9 – Mama Roux’s [23 Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth]
Bands on the rise often appear at this New Orleans themed venue with space for 250 people.
The quality and variety of live music available attracts lots of visitors to the city every year. Many choose to stay in Birmingham serviced apartments at locations such as http://birminghamservicedapartments.co.uk/luxury-2-bedroom-birmingham-serviced-apartments/, to enjoy a comfortable and truly private break away from home.
From wannabes to big names across all genres, Birmingham truly is the place to experience live music.
The city’s rich musical history
Part of what makes Birmingham’s venues special is the music the city has produced. Rock, pop, jazz, hip hop and rap artists have all found success here, and Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Duran Duran and the Electric Light Orchestra are among those whose careers took off in the area. Fine Young Cannibals, UB40, The Moody Blues and The Charlatans are also part of that story.
Classical music has a strong presence too. The world renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performs at Symphony Hall, drawing thousands of classical fans to its concerts. The city is also home to other professional ensembles, including the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.
Birmingham Opera Company has staged new and innovative productions around the world, including in China, Milan and New York. With such a varied mix of styles, even the most discerning music lover is spoilt for choice.