BIRIMINGHAM is regarded worldwide as the birthplace of heavy metal and many believe Black Sabbath was the midwife.

The band formed in Aston in the late 60s and crafted a powerful sound which was the blueprint for a genre that became a major musical force around the globe.

Although the band has undergone numerous changes in personnel many fans regard the partnership of ever present guitarist Tony Iommi and larger than life singer Ozzy Osbourne as the definitive Sabbath front line.

The current Black Sabbath incarnation also features original bass player Geezer Butler.

The band has been on the road around the world this year following the release of their album 13 which was produced by the multi-Grammy winning Rick Rubin.

The album is the band’s first studio release featuring Osbourne since 1978’s classic Never Say Die and in the absence of original drummer Bill Ward, who pulled out following a dispute with the rest of the band, they were joined at the recording sessions by drummer Brad Wilk from Rage Against The Machine.

The new album prompted speculation it may be a swan song for the iconic rockers – Iommi was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and although he is recovering well, touring schedules are planned to allow the 65-year-old to return to the UK for further treatment.

Black Sabbath will be live at Birmingham’s LG Arena on Friday December 20 and at Birmingham’s NIA on Sunday December 22.