Generals Gather In Their Masses…
Underneath a damp and dark sky on this Holy Wednesday morning, dearly beloved we are gathered here in the sight of the Almighty to celebrate THE SABBATH, for us Brummies, there is only one and it is the blackest of them all.
Fifty years have passed since four lads from Aston, Birmingham( same place I grew up and still live) put pedal to the metal and created what became universally known as the ‘heavy metal’ sound.
Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward took inspiration from their surroundings, from the factory floors, from the bombsites, from the poverty and social deprivation to secure a future for themselves, and lead thousands of artists on the musical journey they have crafted. Heavy metal was not taken seriously at all, it has never been in fashion, so there is no question of it coming back into fashion. It is a creature borne of a faith, a mutual understanding and regard for people and almost telepathically knowing what each of us is enduring. It is this shared knowledge that constitutes the survival and appreciation of this genre and the reason why it has gathered momentum, and now attracts a worldwide following.
Fuelled by a bravado, a no- nonsense attitude and a longing for something better, Black Sabbath took on their humble beginnings, relegated the monotony of daily life to pursue a more adventurous outlook.
Their story has been well documented; but this summer here in Birmingham we look back fondly, and with great pride on what our boys have achieved.
Here at BMAG( Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery) an exhibition is taking place to showcase their work, their ideas, their reasoning and their legacy. There are photos, interviews, records and even the clocking in machine from the factory that help tell this fascinating story.
It is incredibly difficult to follow your heart my friends, but Black Sabbath did, and the world is eternally grateful. It isn’t just a trip down memory lane, but it is a chance to reflect and evaluate the magnitude of what we have here. A chance to stand alongside their accomplishments and share the utter joy they have given us.
The vast array of things to see makes this an informative, and detailed visit, you may already know certain things, but they hold more meaning when featured in such an exhibition.
The band has influenced many artists and many generations of families who still carry a torch for them, and although my visit has come to an end, I can assure you their legacy will live on well into the future.
In the words of Ozzy himself,
“ Just hold on to your dreams, because you know what? Every once in a while, they come true.”
Azra Pathan
Black Sabbath 50th Anniversary Exhibition at BMAG, Wednesday 26th June.
The exhibition runs until 29th September 2019