MEMBERS of UB40 have launched a new series of maps celebrating the rich music heritage of Birmingham – starting at Hall Green railway station.
The specially commissioned maps, which are being rolled out at 30 railway stations across the city form part of its ‘Musical Routes’ project.
And the reggae superstars welcomed the installation which immortalises music and musicians from the area, where alongside UB40, major artists such Ocean Colour Scene and Laura Mvula started their careers.
Adam Regan, director of acclaimed live music venue and club The Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath which hosted UB40’s first-ever gig in 1979, joined the musicians in Hall Green to formally unveil the map.
The Musical Routes project, conceived and produced by the Birmingham Music Archive, will take rail passengers on a route to the roots of the city’s world-class musical heritage, thanks to funding from West Midlands Railway’s Your Community, Your Fund grant.
The maps celebrate Brummie artists Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, The Beat, Joan Armatrading, Andy Hamilton, Jamelia and Duran Duran, along with many more, as well as profiling iconic venues such as The Que Club and Rum Runner.
Birmingham Music Archive founder Jez Collins said: “As a city, we need to celebrate and promote these stories of global importance.
“Musical Routes will reach hundreds of thousands of people each year as they travel across the train network, especially ahead of an influx of visitors to the city for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight, through truly beautiful locally-produced maps, many of Birmingham’s truly great musicians and venues.”
The maps were originally designed for the For-wards project created by Bobbie-Jane Gardner and were researched, designed and produced by artist Claire Hartley and the Birmingham Music Archive.
Maps will be installed at the following stations: Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Wylde Green, Chester Road, Erdington, Gravelly Hill, Perry Barr, Hamstead, Jewellery Quarter, Duddeston, Aston, Witton, Bordesley, Small Heath, Adderley Park, Lea Hall, Five Ways, Spring Road, Hall Green, Yardley Wood, Acocks Green, Stechford, Tyseley, Selly Oak, Bournville, Kings Norton, Northfield and Longbridge.
Two maps are set to be installed at University station.
