As anticipation for Black Sabbath's historic homecoming show reaches fever pitch, Birmingham is gearing up for a major metal celebration. BBC Radio WM celebrates Metal in the Midlands has announced its final, electrifying lineup, with fast-rising metallers Defects set to headline the event at the iconic Town Hall Birmingham on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025.
The special evening, presented in partnership with cultural organization B Music, will be hosted by Black Country-born comedian, BBC presenter, and passionate heavy music fan Darren Harriott. Harriott’s involvement underscores BBC Radio WM’s commitment to recognizing the global impact of metal and Black Sabbath's immense role in the region’s music heritage.
Defects, signed to Mascot and currently making waves with their new single 'Heresy,' will make a special return to their hometown to lead the bill. Drummer Harry Jennings expressed the band's excitement: “We are beyond excited to be one of the bands representing metal in the Midlands for the BBC on this iconic week. The Town Hall holds a lot of memories for family members of the band, and it’s a real honour to perform.”
Further enhancing the night’s immersive experience, Birmingham’s Flatpack Festival has been commissioned to produce a unique metal-inspired short film compilation, exploring the genre's international reach. Completing the lineup is DJ Emily Masters (Black Parade/Chop Suey/Mantra), fresh from playing at Download Festival, who will bring her signature alternative sounds to the historic venue.
These additions join previously announced West Midlands rising stars CHERRYDEAD, GANS, and Meatdripper, ensuring a night that spans sludge, stoner, doom, and nu-metal, showcasing the vibrant future of heavy music in the UK.
The event is a key part of broader city-wide celebrations welcoming Black Sabbath back to Birmingham for their final ever show, 'Back to the Beginning,' at Villa Park on July 5th. This historic concert will see the original Black Sabbath lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler reunite on stage for the first time in 20 years.
Tickets for BBC Radio WM celebrates Metal in the Midlands are priced at £5 and are available now via bmusic.co.uk.
The special evening, presented in partnership with cultural organization B Music, will be hosted by Black Country-born comedian, BBC presenter, and passionate heavy music fan Darren Harriott. Harriott’s involvement underscores BBC Radio WM’s commitment to recognizing the global impact of metal and Black Sabbath's immense role in the region’s music heritage.
Defects, signed to Mascot and currently making waves with their new single 'Heresy,' will make a special return to their hometown to lead the bill. Drummer Harry Jennings expressed the band's excitement: “We are beyond excited to be one of the bands representing metal in the Midlands for the BBC on this iconic week. The Town Hall holds a lot of memories for family members of the band, and it’s a real honour to perform.”
Further enhancing the night’s immersive experience, Birmingham’s Flatpack Festival has been commissioned to produce a unique metal-inspired short film compilation, exploring the genre's international reach. Completing the lineup is DJ Emily Masters (Black Parade/Chop Suey/Mantra), fresh from playing at Download Festival, who will bring her signature alternative sounds to the historic venue.
These additions join previously announced West Midlands rising stars CHERRYDEAD, GANS, and Meatdripper, ensuring a night that spans sludge, stoner, doom, and nu-metal, showcasing the vibrant future of heavy music in the UK.
The event is a key part of broader city-wide celebrations welcoming Black Sabbath back to Birmingham for their final ever show, 'Back to the Beginning,' at Villa Park on July 5th. This historic concert will see the original Black Sabbath lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler reunite on stage for the first time in 20 years.
Tickets for BBC Radio WM celebrates Metal in the Midlands are priced at £5 and are available now via bmusic.co.uk.
