So Black Sabbath have taken their final bow and the curtain has come down on the career of the most influential metal band of them all. The Back To The Beginning farewell show at Villa Park on July 5 was the perfect send-off – an all-star celebration that lived up to Tom Morello ’s promise of it being “the greatest day in heavy metal history”.

The bassist did not specify which band member is ailing in response to a fan question about their absence from the Back to the Beginning lineup.

These three bands highlight how Birmingham, England, changed rock music with legends like Black Sabbath, Duran Duran, and ELO.

Birmingham remains a hotbed of musical activity in the 21st Century. Formed by members of Birmingham bands Table Scraps and Mutes/God Damn, Margarita Witch Cult are entirely unashamed about the fact they're inspired by Sabbath and the worlds of stoner and doom.

Calls to reopen the pub known as the ‘birthplace’ of Black Sabbath have intensified once more following the band’s momentous farewell show. Thousands of rock fans from across the world descended on Birmingham last weekend to say goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath as they took to the stage at Villa Park.