DEFECTS Drummer Harry Jennings on Major Birmingham Metal Event

Black Sabbath’s final show “Back to the Beginning” is fast approaching, and, to honour the legendary band and lead vocalist Ozzy Osborne, Birmingham is getting hot with Sabbath fever.

To add to the celebration, Birmingham-based organisations Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), BBC Radio WM and B:Music are coming together to host a major Birmingham metal event, showcasing some of the best emerging metal bands.

Creature Records caught up with headlining band Defect’s drummer Harry Jennings to talk about the upcoming event, and what it means for the band.

Photo credit: Metal in the Midlands

How does it feel headlining this event, and representing both Birmingham and the rock and metal industry?

It’s a huge honour. It feels like the city is finally embracing a great legacy and to be a part of the celebrations really is special. All eyes are on Birmingham finally and appreciating what we can did do for music.

What does headlining this show mean to you and the band?

Just to be a part of a week of celebrations no matter how big or small will always be special. None of us would be doing this if it wasn’t for Black Sabbath. It’s our chance to give back to the city that has treated us so well. 

What have been some of your earliest music influences as a band? How did you start?

We have a huge mix of different areas of metal we bring to this band, from Killswitch Engage, to Lamb of God, to Bring Me the Horizon. It all comes together in a melting pot. Mostly knowing each other from other bands, meeting at local events and realising we had a lot in common in terms of musical influences. This started as a way to get out some creative frustrations we may not have been able to explore before, and eventually we decided to bring it into the public eye instead of hiding it and using it as a side project. 

Let's touch on the venue. How does it feel playing in such an iconic place as the Town Hall Birmingham?

For me personally, it’s hard to explain how much it means to my family. My Grandmother used to go there in the war to watch Jazz bands and anything else that was on. It was a special place for her and one of the only places she could access music, so all these years later to be there myself is really emotional and I wish she could see it. 

What more can we expect from Defects, after riding this insane Black Sabbath wave?

We have a few more shows in Europe over the summer then we go into the studio to finish our second album. Which we can’t wait to share with the world. 

Photo credit: Defects

Tickets for the event are still available!

BBC Radio WM celebrates Metal in the Midlands

7pm, Wednesday 2 July 2025

Town Hall Birmingham

Tickets, priced £5, on sale now via bmusic.co.uk