Back to the Beginning: Selfridges Birmingham Unleashes a Heavy Metal Homage to Black Sabbath

25 June 2025 rocknews

As the gods of heavy metal prepare to descend on Villa Park for one final, thunderous homecoming, Birmingham isn’t just rolling out the red carpet—it’s painting the town Sabbath. And nowhere is that more electrifying than at Selfridges Birmingham, where the iconic department store has transformed into a cathedral of riffs, rebellion, and rock ‘n’ roll reverence.

In celebration of Black Sabbath’s last-ever UK performance—fittingly titled Back to the Beginning—Selfridges has launched an immersive fan experience that’s part art installation, part merch mecca, and all-out love letter to the band that birthed a genre.

A Window Into Metal’s Soul

Step inside the Bullring and you’ll be greeted by a six-metre-wide mural of the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—rendered in vivid detail across two towering display windows. Created live over seven days by Birmingham’s own Mr Murals, the artwork is more than just a tribute—it’s a living, breathing celebration of the band’s legacy.

“I’m honoured to take part in the celebration of Black Sabbath’s rich musical roots with such a unique piece of artwork right in the heart of Birmingham,” said Mr Murals. “Nothing compares to painting live within your own community.”

The mural is just the beginning. Inside, fans are treated to a visual feast: neon-lit displays, a metal-clad wall emblazoned with the band’s iconic “Henry” emblem, and a digital screen looping The End film, capturing the raw emotion of Sabbath’s previous farewell.

Merch Madness: Sabbath Style

But what’s a celebration without the gear? Selfridges has teamed up with Bravado—the world’s leading artist merchandise company—to curate an exclusive Black Sabbath collection that’s as bold as the band itself. Think limited-edition jackets, hoodies, tees, and accessories, many of them co-designed with fashion heavyweights like Moschino, Alpha Industries, Babylon LA, and Vanson Leathers.

The crown jewel? Ultra-rare leather jackets signed by Ozzy himself. These aren’t just garments—they’re relics, forged in the fires of fandom and destined to become collector’s gold.

A City-Wide Symphony of Sabbath

Selfridges’ tribute is just one riff in a city-wide crescendo. From the Black Sabbath Bench on Broad Street to the Ozzy Osbourne tram and the mural-lined streets of Navigation Street, Birmingham has become a living museum of metal.

Even The Crown pub—where Sabbath played their first gig—has been adorned w Aith nostalgic photos, while Victoria Square hosts a free outdoor exhibition of album art and band photography. And let’s not forget the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s upcoming Ozzy Osbourne exhibition, launching next week and free to all.

The Gig That Shook the World

All of this builds to the main event: Back to the Beginning, the final Black Sabbath show on July 5 at Villa Park. The original lineup will reunite for the first time in two decades, joined by a jaw-dropping roster of m Betal royalty including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Tool, Halestorm, and more.

And for those who couldn’t snag a ticket? Venues like The Flapper, Scruffy Murphy’s, and Subside are hosting live streams and afterparties, ensuring no fan is left behind.

Summer of Sound: A Legacy Amplified

The Selfridges celebration also marks the launch of Summer of Sound, a seasonal campaign that will extend to Selfridges stores in London and Manchester. But Birmingham gets the first—and arguably most meaningful—installment, rooted in the city’s deep connection to Sabbath’s legacy.

Sam Watson, Selfridges Birmingham Store Director, summed it up best: “We’re so excited for this partnership and what it means not only for Black Sabbath and Ozzy fans but fans of music, as we celebrate a genre that was born in the city.”

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Gig

What Selfridges and the city of Birmingham have created isn’t just a tribute—it’s a cultural moment. It’s a reminder that heavy metal, born in the soot and soul of the Midlands, has become a global force. And as Sabbath prepares to take their final bow, the city that raised them is giving them the send-off they deserve: loud, proud, and utterly unforgettable.

So whether you’re queuing for merch, snapping selfies by the mural, or raising a pint at The Flapper, know this—you’re not just celebrating a band. You’re celebrating a movement. A legacy. A homecoming.

And in true Sabbath style, it’s going out with a bang.