Calls to preserve Black Sabbath pub The Crown in Birmingham grow louder
"All of what Ozzy started, that power we saw on stage, has managed to seep wider. We need to harness the energy and not let it go," she said.Black Sabbath, which used to be known as Earth, played their first gig at Henry's Blueshouse, which was located upstairs in the pub. "The Crown pub, not only for heavy metal, but for rock and roll in Birmingham is a heritage site," Ms Bosley said.Speaking on whether the pub would financially be viable and whether heavy metal tourism would be popular in the city, she said there was enough memorabilia ready to fill a museum.
Black Sabbath, which formed in Birmingham in 1968, rocked out Villa Park on Saturday, joined by acts including Metallica, Guns N' Roses and Slayer - with guest appearances from the likes of Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler and Jack Black.Save Station Street campaigners said The Crown should be the site of "[un]holy pilgrimage". "Yet most of it is closed down. Boarded up. Under threat. The Crown especially should be the site of (un)holy pilgrimage for every Sabbath Fan, Metal Head, Ska Revivalist, Punk and Folkie globally - showcasing the best Brum music, beer, food and creativity. "
Arts company Birmingham Open Media (BOM) had plans to restore the pub, with the backing of Birmingham City Council - but it fell apart last year after the council retracted its offer of a loan.
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