The Crown pub on Station Street in Birmingham has been given a facelift ahead of Black Sabbath’s final show on Saturday, July 5
(Image: Central BID)
One of Birmingham’s most central pubs – ten steps from New Street Station – has been given a makeover.
The Crown, famed for being the inaugural performance venue of Black Sabbath, has undergone a revamp ahead of the band’s final gig.
While the pub remains closed, the Station Street venue has seen its graffiti-ridden exterior spruced up and the boarded-up windows replaced with images of Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi.
The original band members will reunite for a final performance on Saturday, July 5, an event hailed as ‘the greatest heavy metal show ever’.
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The pub is owned by Japanese firm Toyoko Inns and has remained vacant for the past 11 years, despite campaigners advocating for the preservation of the now Grade II-listed establishment.
While there have been no concrete plans to rejuvenate it during this period, an architect collaborating with the company did confirm to BirminghamLive on June 5 that transformation works would commence.
Justin Risley, from Manchester-based architects Stephenson Hamilton Risley (SHR) Studio, confirmed that improvements to the facade would be completed in time for Black Sabbath’s final concert.
This promise was fulfilled yesterday (Wednesday, June 18) when photographs supplied by Jim Simpson were installed in the pub’s windows.
Jim Simpson, the promoter of Henry’s Blueshouse where Black Sabbath held their debut gig, also served as the band’s initial manager. He played a pivotal role in their early career, including suggesting the name change from ‘Earth’ in their formative years.
The pub’s revamp was coordinated with Central BID, who confirmed that the refurbishment was financed by Toyoko Inns.
Central BID is also responsible for the massive Black Sabbath mural currently under construction on Navigation Street.
Additionally, they are collaborating with Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery to curate a unique Ozzy Osbourne exhibition and an outdoor photography and artwork showcase, both slated to open next week.
An estimated 200,000 visitors are anticipated in Birmingham during the weekend of Black Sabbath’s final show, with major events lined up in the realms of food, drink, sport, and music.
The Crown on Station Street has had a Black Sabbath makeover(Image: Central BID)
The Crown is expected to be one of the most photographed locations in the city that weekend, alongside the Black Sabbath bridge and Ozzy the bull at New Street Station.
In the meantime, hospitality establishments across the city that remain open and flourishing will host heavy metal-themed events and live screenings to honour the genre’s founding fathers.
The future of The Crown beyond its new facade remains uncertain.
Justin Risley informed BirminghamLive that plans would be unveiled in due time, leaving those dedicated to preserving and celebrating Birmingham’s musical heritage eagerly awaiting updates.
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