James Hetfield Visits Special Black Sabbath Location Ahead Of Reunion Show
via MJT LIVE / YouTube
Metallica’s frontman, James Hetfield, recently made a meaningful stop in Birmingham, visiting the Black Sabbath Bridge in honor of the band that helped pioneer heavy metal. A photo shared on Metallica’s official Instagram account captured Hetfield sitting on the site’s commemorative bench, reflecting his admiration for Black Sabbath’s legacy.
His visit comes just before Ozzy Osbourne’s highly anticipated “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert. It appears Hetfield arrived early to pay tribute to one of metal’s most influential acts.
A Symbol of Metal’s Origins
Hetfield’s stop at this iconic landmark underscores the respect many metal musicians have for Black Sabbath, whose work laid the foundation for the genre. Birmingham, often called the birthplace of heavy metal, proudly commemorates the band’s roots and lasting influence.
According to City Days, the bench Hetfield sat on is made from actual heavy metal and features engravings of the original band members — Geezer Butler, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward — along with the inscription: “Made in Birmingham 1968.” The bench isn’t just a piece of public art; it’s a symbol of the city’s pride in its musical heritage.
Black Sabbath’s Legacy Cemented in Birmingham
This visit follows a significant recognition for the band. On June 28, 2025, Birmingham awarded Black Sabbath’s founding members the Freedom of the City — its highest honor — for their outstanding contributions to the city’s cultural and musical identity, as reported by Blabbermouth.
Today, Birmingham embraces its heavy metal history through landmarks like the Black Sabbath Bridge, which has become a must-see site for fans and musicians. As noted by The Trainline and Black Sabbath Bench, these sites serve as both memorials and celebrations of a genre that started in the city and changed global music forever.
The bench and bridge now stand as enduring tributes — not just to four legendary musicians, but to the birthplace of a musical revolution.
