Gigs of Birmingham: 10 lost and forgotten iconic concert and gig venues in Birmingham

Reporter

Published 7th Jan 2025, 11:59 GMT

Updated 7th Jan 2025, 11:59 GMT

These are some of the lost and forgotten gig venues in Birmingham where some of the biggest names in music played

Birmingham’s influence on UK music and culture shoudln’t be understated.

Bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin cut their teeth in the city and region before emabarking on hugley successful careers, and many clubs and bars around the city became known for nurturing musical talent.

Many iconic Birmingham nightclubs that are still talked about today opened their doors in the 60s, 70s and 80s and hosted some of the country’s biggest acts.

Many of these legendary clubs are no longer open, but the buildings remain. We’ve taken a look at some of the city’s best former music venues that hosted huge names. Let’s take a look:

Mothers is one of the city's most historic former clubs. The club, run by John 'Spud' Taylor and promoter Phil Myatt, was very popular in the 60s and 70s but closed its doors in 1971. More than 400 acts performed there, including Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. A Blue Plaque was unveiled at the former Mothers building on 13 July 2013. It was even voted the world's best rock venue in 1970. Today, the building is a deli and charity shop

1. Mothers, Erdington High Street

Mothers is one of the city's most historic former clubs. The club, run by John 'Spud' Taylor and promoter Phil Myatt, was very popular in the 60s and 70s but closed its doors in 1971. More than 400 acts performed there, including Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. A Blue Plaque was unveiled at the former Mothers building on 13 July 2013. It was even voted the world's best rock venue in 1970. Today, the building is a deli and charity shop | google

The Crown pub on Station Street in Birmingham city centre - where heavy metal was born as Black Sabbath played their first gig there. The pub secured listed status back in March, but has been empty for 10 years
Known as the birthplace of heavy metal, The Crown pub on station street remains a key landmark in Birmingham.

2. The Crown pub on Station Street

The Crown pub on Station Street in Birmingham city centre - where heavy metal was born as Black Sabbath played their first gig there. The pub secured listed status back in March, but has been empty for 10 years Known as the birthplace of heavy metal, The Crown pub on station street remains a key landmark in Birmingham. | SWNS

The Rum Runner stood on Broad Street in the 80s and hosted Duran Duran during their first steps to stardom along with The Beat, Dexys Midnight Runners and DJ Dick. It closed in 1987. A blue plaque is located near the site of the former club

3. The Rum Runner Club, Broad Street

The Rum Runner stood on Broad Street in the 80s and hosted Duran Duran during their first steps to stardom along with The Beat, Dexys Midnight Runners and DJ Dick. It closed in 1987. A blue plaque is located near the site of the former club | Bread PR

This was a well known venue, especially in the 1960s. It was famous for being the regular haunt of '60s hitmakers The Spencer Davis Group, who had hits with Keep On Running and Gimmie Some Lovin.

4. The Golden Eagle, Hill Street city centre

This was a well known venue, especially in the 1960s. It was famous for being the regular haunt of '60s hitmakers The Spencer Davis Group, who had hits with Keep On Running and Gimmie Some Lovin. | Birmingham city council

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