Birmingham Bits

[michelej1]

Birmingham Evening Mail, February 13, 1998

HEADLINE: BRUM BEAT ON ROCK N' ROLL MAP

BODY:
MIDLAND artists have made their presence felt on a new map launched and designed to guide tourists through Britain's rock and roll highlights.

International reggae favourites UB40 are included alongside the hairier, noisier side of the city's music scene in the shape of Aston-born heavy metal specialist Ozzy Osbourne.

Duran Duran, who played their first gigs in the now-closed Rum Runner nightclub in Birmingham city centre, are also included as well as Fleetwood Mac keyboard player and former Birmingham Art College student Christine McVie.

Dexy's Midnight Runners

Bringing the guide up-to-date are Moseley-based Ocean Colour Scene but there is no room for Wolverhampton's 70s rockers Slade and no mention that top -selling 80s band Dexy's Midnight Runners hail from West Bromwich.

Among the other Birmingham artists featured are The Beat, Black Sabbath, Fine Young Cannibals, Judas Priest, Bitty McLean, The Move, ELO, Jeff Lynne, Nick Mason from Pink Floyd, Steel Pulse, Toyah and Steve Winwood.

The map is available free from British Transport Authority offices.