By Robson McCallister
“If it wasn’t for Black Sabbath, I’d probably be listening to the Bee Gees.” The iconic band has influenced thousands in the music world but it turns out Black Sabbath was an influence behind one of Birmingham’s favourite rock bars. Located on the Digbeth High Street, Subside Bar is the city’s late-night destination for rock and alternative music. Read More: I visited Birmingham bar where Glastonbury stars have performed – but now it’s barely hanging on Subside Bar owner David Longmate spoke to BirminghamLive ahead of Saturday’s farewell concert and admitted his life might be different if it wasn’t for the metal band. The city bar is welcoming fans after the concert on Saturday, July 5 – opening until 6am. Speaking to BirminghamLive, David said: “Black Sabbath is what got me started in this career. “I was eight-years-old and my sister Wendy brought home the Paranoid album. “I was instantly hooked to Ozzy’s vocals on ‘Iron Man’. “As I got older, I became interested in other bands around at the time, but that was it. I was now into rock music. “I started DJing at The Three Horseshoes in 1985 and I’ve been in this career ever since.” Influenced by American dive bars, Subside has remained a cornerstone in the Birmingham rock scene since opening in 2007. Open until 6am on weekends, Subside has received messages from people across Australia, Portugal and the United States regarding Saturday night. The cosy smoking area is set to become a melting pot of the world on Saturday after the Back to the Beginning concert. David said: “It’s going to be people from all over the world but it isn’t going to be just us. “Scruffy Murphy’s, The Flapper and Merlins… I would expect all Birmingham rock bars to be the same.” Jagermeister has collaborated with Subside for the one-day event, meaning the first 100 people entering after the gig will be entitled to a free shot or Jagerbomb. If you miss out on the Sabbath concert, Subside is hosting a free-entry re-watch on Sunday with doors open from 3.30pm. David added: “Our drink prices are unbelievably cheap, most places charge more for a single than we do for a double. “If you want a good time in a safe environment until 6am, Subside is the place to be this weekend.” Subside will turn 18-years-old in September, finally old enough to raise a glass as Birmingham’s late-night venue for rock music. Subside Bar is located on 57 High St, Birmingham B5 6DA