Expert comment Last updated 08 July
Following Black Sabbath’s farewell concert at Villa Park over the weekend, Dr Asya Draganova, heavy metal expert and Birmingham City University (BCU) lecturer in Media and Popular Music Culture, reflects on the enduring legacy the band leaves behind - both in their hometown and across the globe.
“I realise that the show Back to the Beginning is far from the end for Ozzy and Sabbath as their appeal to new generations of fans will live on and on,” said Dr Draganova, who attended the sold-out gig.
After living in Birmingham for nearly a decade, Dr Draganova described the atmosphere around the concert as something truly special.
“Not even the German Christmas market can compare to that electrifying expectation and the rivers of fans on pilgrimage to the birthplace of metal, which created the feeling that we were living in a festival that had spilled over onto the streets," she said.
"Metal gods from the most famous bands and fans alike all waiting in long, loud and happy queues to have their pictures taken at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench and the impressive new Mr Murals’ work on Navigation Street."
Calling for Birmingham to continue embracing its musical heritage, she added: “Let’s keep this going! Just as The Beatles are part of Liverpool’s brand, Sabbath could be ours!”
Dr Draganova recalls seeing her first Black Sabbath concert in Bulgaria at the age of 15 - also her first-ever gig:
“In preparation for that show, I sat down and tried hard to learn the lyrics to all their songs with pretty good success," she said.
At BCU, the band’s influence continues to be felt.
“We are proud to have an Ozzy Osbourne award for graduating students who have come from a position of disadvantage but made extraordinary progress in their work and excelled," said Dr Draganova.
“Osbourne and Sabbath are a fantastic source of inspiration for our students - and for me.
"It’s amazing that a group of working-class boys from Aston developed a global genre and achieved mega stardom, but never forgot where they came from, and always celebrated their background."