Few cities can rival Birmingham when it comes to the impact it has had on popular music. From pioneering heavy metal to defining new wave, the “Second City” of England has birthed bands that have reshaped the soundscape across genres. Here’s a countdown of Birmingham’s top 10 bands, celebrating their legacies and lasting influence on the music world.

10. Ocean Colour Scene

At the tail end of the Britpop era, Ocean Colour Scene captured the spirit of the ’90s with a retro, soulful style. Emerging from the shadows of Birmingham’s industrial scenery, they infused their sound with rock, folk, and a touch of psychedelia. Tracks like “The Riverboat Song” and “The Day We Caught the Train” became anthems, especially thanks to their association with bands like Oasis and artists like Paul Weller. Though Britpop had its share of ephemeral acts, Ocean Colour Scene remains cherished for its authentic, bluesy roots and unmistakable Birmingham grit.

9. Judas Priest

Next up is Judas Priest, a band that transformed metal into a mainstream phenomenon. With their double-guitar assault, leather-and-studs look, and songs like “Breaking the Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” they helped establish heavy metal as a serious cultural force. Their versatility spans everything from hard rock to thrash, and Birmingham’s industrial undercurrent is forever ingrained in their sound, which is defined by sheer power and rebellion.

8. Editors

This post-punk revival band brought a moody, atmospheric sound to the 2000s indie landscape. With dark, introspective lyrics and driving guitars, Editors introduced a new era of British alternative rock. Tracks like “Munich” and “Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors” earned them comparisons to bands like Joy Division and Interpol, but they carved out their own identity with haunting melodies and Tom Smith’s brooding vocals. Editors brought Birmingham’s music into the indie spotlight, reminding the world that the city could produce poignant, forward-thinking music in the 21st century.

7. Dexys Midnight Runners

If there’s one Birmingham band that perfectly married punk with soul, it’s Dexys Midnight Runners. Known for their wildly infectious hit “Come On Eileen,” they encapsulated the diverse sounds of the ’80s with a blend of Celtic folk, soul, and post-punk energy. Led by the charismatic Kevin Rowland, the band wasn’t afraid to evolve; they shifted sounds and styles, making each album feel like a reinvention. They’re still celebrated for their passionate, soul-stirring live performances and Birmingham-born spirit of reinvention.

6. The Move

Before there was ELO, there was The Move. Known for their 1960s experimentation, this psych-pop band became an influential act on both sides of the Atlantic. With songs like “Flowers in the Rain” (famously the first song ever played on BBC Radio 1), The Move captured the essence of the psychedelic era. They would later help spawn the Electric Light Orchestra, but The Move’s original blend of catchy hooks, innovative structures, and Brummie charm made them a force to be reckoned with in their own right.

5. The Beat (The English Beat)

Birmingham’s own contribution to the British ska and 2-tone movement, The Beat (known as The English Beat in the US) brought a fusion of punk, ska, and reggae that was unlike anything else at the time. Tracks like “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Save It for Later” still exude a timeless energy, blending social commentary with infectious rhythms. Their multicultural lineup reflected Birmingham’s diverse makeup, and their songs resonated with the frustrations and hopes of urban life in the UK.

4. UB40

UB40 brought reggae to the masses in the 1980s, becoming one of the most beloved reggae bands globally. Formed by a diverse group of musicians from Birmingham, UB40’s roots in the city’s working-class culture gave their music authenticity and relatability. With hits like “Red Red Wine” and “Kingston Town,” UB40 gave reggae an accessible, pop-friendly sound that crossed genres and borders. Their message of unity, social justice, and resilience resonates worldwide, reminding everyone of Birmingham’s influence beyond rock.

3. Duran Duran

Duran Duran encapsulated the glamour and sheen of the 1980s. Born from Birmingham’s club scene, the band revolutionized the new wave genre, merging fashion and rock with an exotic, visually striking sound. Hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Rio” became MTV staples, thanks to their groundbreaking music videos and charismatic personas. Duran Duran went on to achieve superstardom, and they remain a pillar of Birmingham’s global impact on music and pop culture. Their influence can still be heard in pop music today, inspiring generations of new wave and synth-pop artists.

2. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

A group that took the foundations of rock and infused them with orchestral and electronic elements, ELO made symphonic rock accessible to millions. Brainchild of Jeff Lynne, ELO produced ambitious, complex music that became the soundtrack of the ’70s. Hits like “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Don’t Bring Me Down” feature lush arrangements and soaring harmonies. ELO’s genius lay in merging classical influences with rock and pop to create something entirely new, proving Birmingham’s musical innovation had no bounds.

1. Black Sabbath

It’s impossible to discuss Birmingham’s musical impact without placing Black Sabbath at the top. Pioneering the genre of heavy metal, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward created music that reflected the darkness of industrial Birmingham. Songs like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man” captured the raw energy, angst, and alienation of a generation. Sabbath’s downtuned guitars, gritty lyrics, and intense live performances set the foundation for heavy metal, inspiring countless bands worldwide. For their profound impact, not only on rock but on the cultural landscape as a whole, Black Sabbath reigns supreme as Birmingham’s most influential band.