Latest news with #ChrisPegg
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC Black Sabbath special heading for Birmingham - and it's only £5
The BBC is planning a special celebration of heavy metal in Birmingham ahead of Black Sabbath's final show at Villa Park Stadium. BBC Radio WM Celebrates Metal in the Midlands will be a gig held at the Town Hall on Wednesday, July 2, days before Ozzy Osbourne's final bow on Saturday, July 5. Fans of alternative music are expected to flood into the city ahead of the all-day gig at Villa Park stadium and the BBC show will offer those visitors the chance to see 'rising stars' of the genre in one of Birmingham's grandest venues. Read more: Black Sabbath star says 'it doesn't come any more unpredictable' amid tour announcement Read more: Old Birmingham attraction says 'thank you' after record-breaking weekend BBC Radio WM Celebrates Metal in the Midlands will feature three bands, Cherrydead, Gans and Meatdripper, all from the West Midlands. The event is being presented in conjunction with B: Music and Home Of Metal and it will be a 'sonic exploration of the Sabbath effect over the years'. A Home of Metal film screening is expected, as well as an industry panel discussion and DJ sets. Chris Pegg, editor of BBC Radio WM, said: "Birmingham is the birthplace of heavy metal. We wanted to celebrate our rich heritage by presenting this special event as the world's biggest heavy metal bands descend on Birmingham. "To be presenting a new generation of metal acts in such an important venue for music in the region today demonstrates our commitment to supporting the major music stars of tomorrow." Chris Proctor, head of programming at B: Music - the charity which manages the Town Hall as well as the Symphony Hall -said: "We're delighted to not only be working with BBC in Birmingham and Home of Metal again, and also the future stars of UK metal - this is shaping up to be a phenomenal night marking the return of four Birmingham musicians. "It is particularly timely that we host this event celebrating new music, given the recent launch of our She:Music programme, which aims to promote bold cross-genre collaborations and break down the barriers that women, especially those from the global majority, and B:Music's ongoing support for local and emerging talent from across the West Midlands and UK." Liv, Meatdripper's bassist and vocalist, commented: "I am so honoured to be playing this gig and celebrating the Midlands metal scene. I am even prouder to be repping women and non-binary people in music. "When I think of Sabbath, I think of the best of Brum. I think of heavy riffs and iconic vocals. It makes me proud to be living in a city with such a legendary music scene." Tickets to the gig will be priced at £5 with no booking fee and they go on sale at on Friday, May 16 at 10am.
BBC News
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ed James to present morning show on BBC Radio WM
Award-winning broadcaster Ed James is to present a new show on BBC Radio will take the helm of the mid-morning show between 10:00 and 14:00 GMT every weekday from 22 programme will celebrate the best people and stories from across Birmingham and the Black Country."Joining BBC Radio WM really does feel like coming home," he said. He began his broadcasting career on BBC local radio in York, and for the last two decades worked for Heart West Midlands. "My favourite thing about the region has always been the people - their stories, passions and of course the humour," he said."Our new show will be a real celebration of the Midlands, a shop window for everything that makes this area extraordinary. Whether it's tackling the issues that matter, shining a spotlight on local achievement or catching up with the stars as they pass through. Together, we'll tell the stories that truly matter."Chris Pegg, executive editor for BBC Radio WM worked with Mr James 20 years ago, and said he had a "fantastic connection" with Birmingham and the Black Country."His passion for the area, humour and warmth with people is the perfect fit."Kath Stanczyszyn who currently hosts the mid-morning show will return to her role as a political reporter for BBC Local and national news. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
