Brits Move to Preserve Pub Where Black Sabbath Played Their First Gig

Seems like the Brits really care about their heavy metal history. After doing things like approving a statue of Lemmy and politicians urging the late Queen Elizabeth to recognize Black Sabbath, local government officials have officially moved to preserve the pub where Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward played their first show together as Earth.

The show in question happened all the way back in 1968 at Henry’s Blueshouse, which was actually located in the upstairs portion of The Crown Inn. That venue hosted shows by other major bands, including Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, and The Who, but it’s the Sabbath show that’s landed the location the special designation.

Under British law, a Grade II building becomes such because it’s “of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it.”

Not only is the building special for its link to Black Sabbath, but it’s also just a super old location. Originally built in 1881, the building has since become a derelict after it was purchased and shut down in 2014 by a Japanese development company.

Historic England regional director Louise Brennan said the push to preserve The Crown Inn was an important one, given all of its history.

“The Crown is a one-of-a-kind building with history written in its walls. It’s a Birmingham cultural landmark that fittingly is almost within sight of Ozzy the bull in New Street Station, and I’m really pleased it’s being recognized with Grade II Listed status. Heavy metal is a gift Birmingham gave to the world and The Crown is an integral part of that story.”

With the listing in hand, Historic England representatives said they hope to have The Crown Inn reopened so future generations can visit what they call the birthplace of heavy metal. Hell, even the stage Sabbath played on is still in the structure, so that would be one hell of a place to play a show as a young band.

Speaking of the old venue, Iommi echoed Historic England’s assertion that locales like The Crown Inn should be protected, citing the need to keep musical history intact for future generations.

“Cities all over the U.K. are protecting their musical heritage. Birmingham shouldn’t be left behind. The Crown has huge significance to us and many other successful acts. It was one of very few venues that supported the emerging rock scene with a blues club and was home to our first-ever gig.”