A spectacular new piece of street art celebrating the legacy of Black Sabbath, Birmingham’s most famous music export, is being created in the city centre by globally recognised spray artist Mr Murals.
Commissioned by Central BID Birmingham and supported by Network Rail, the stunning 120ft mural will adorn a prominent wall on Navigation Street, next to Birmingham New Street station. The work will feature all four original band members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward and chart the story of Black Sabbath’s rise from local lads to global rock icons.
The tribute will be completed in time for the sold-out Black Sabbath reunion concert at Villa Park on Saturday 6 July, a once-in-a-generation show marking their return to their hometown that will bring thousands of visitors to Birmingham.
Birmingham artist Mr Murals, who previously turned heads with his remarkable Peaky Blinders artwork at the Digbeth Loc. Studios, brings his signature style and scale to the heart of the city. Known for his hyper-realistic technique and ability to capture cultural icons in breathtaking detail, his work has appeared across Europe, the US and the UK.
“This mural is a tribute not just to Black Sabbath, but to the creative spirit of Birmingham,” said Mr Murals. “The band’s influence is everywhere, from metal music to fashion to attitude. I wanted to create something powerful and raw, just like their sound, that people can stand in front of and feel the energy of Sabbath and of the city itself.”
The artwork is the latest cultural landmark to be unveiled in the city and a key part of Central BID’s commitment to celebrating Birmingham’s heritage through street-level creativity.
“Black Sabbath helped put Birmingham on the world stage, and this mural is a fitting tribute to their legacy,” said Sam Watson, Chair of Central BID Birmingham. “We’re thrilled to support this project and celebrate the city’s musical roots at such an exciting time for Birmingham.”
Elizabeth Graham, Birmingham New Street station manager, said: “Along with our very own Ozzy the bull, this new mural will provide a fantastic welcome to the thousands of fans arriving into the city ahead of Black Sabbath’s Villa Park gig.
“We are only too pleased for our wall to be used for this artwork and we can’t wait for the buzz and excitement in the build-up to what will be a weekend to remember.”
The Black Sabbath mural is expected to become a must-visit selfie spot for fans and visitors during the Super Weekend in Birmingham, which also includes performances from Jeff Lynne’s ELO, the England v India Test Match at Edgbaston, and the Colmore Food Festival in Victoria Square.
