Best live music venues in Birmingham: find options near you

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Attended Man in the Mirror at Symphony Hall and had a fantastic experience. The venue was spotless, the seats were comfortable with a great view and the staff were incredibly friendly and accessible, which made the evening even more enjoyable.

The show itself was exceptional, a true celebration of Michael Jackson’s music. From Bad and Black or White to Thriller and of course Man in the Mirror, every performance had the audience on their feet.

Highly recommend for any MJ fan or anyone who enjoys an outstanding live show!

I recently attended their sports-themed concert and was absolutely blown away. The energy, the atmosphere, and the creativity of blending classical music with sports anthems were truly outstanding. The orchestra was phenomenal, bringing to life the excitement and passion of the sporting world through music.

The venue itself is stunning, with excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. Staff were friendly and helpful, making the entire evening even more enjoyable. I loved how they incorporated the theme throughout the show, from the music selections to the visual effects, creating a truly immersive experience.

If you’re a sports fan, a music lover, or just looking for a unique night out, I highly recommend checking out Symphony Hall’s sports-themed concert. It’s an unforgettable way to celebrate both sports and the arts!

Another fabulous visit to the symphony for a Fri night Kim Wilde and her band supported by Cutting Crew. We sat lower circle left ledge just in front of stage (seats 11&12), great view. Bar and toilets a short stroll. Staff checking tickets and guiding you to your seats were great as usual. No fuss quick entry. Comfortable stand alone seats. Easy parking at nearby Mail box with Q Park and safe walk along canal with eateries and bars in Brindley Place.

Absolutely breathtaking hall with beautiful interior decor and greet facilities for the audiences. Great customer service and amazing venue . Loved it ..

First time at this venue and was amazed at the interior space, it’s huge and quite futuristic. The actual concert hall has excellent acoustics which is the most important thing for me. No standing, but virtually everyone stood up for the main band. We sat on a balcony so had an excellent view of the stage.
Gentle ramps everywhere, easy access to toilets so very disabled friendly, the bar has a dedicated counter so people with mobility issues don’t have to queue, a very welcome feature. The Staff are friendly and polite.
Limited free bookable disabled parking in a secure gated area with level access into the venue. This is adjacent to the canal and short distance from the Black Sabbath bridge. We would definitely go there again.

Very impressive venue in the heart of Birmingham.Tonight we had the pleasure of seeing Gregory Porter and his band of wonderful musicians.
Symphony Hall is a great venue with excellent sound and great atmosphere, didn’t appear to be a bad seat in the arena.
We cannot praise the staff highly enough, so very friendly and extremely helpful.
Will definitely return very soon.
Highly Recommend

Went to watch Kim Wilde in the Symphony hall, Access to the hall was very easy, once inside and in the correct zone we were shown to our seats. The view was very good especially as we were in the back row of the balcony. Sound quality was good too, seats were comfortable. Getting out was easy as well. Getting to and from the venue, from the city centre, is just a tram ride away, the stop you need is The Library. So would I go back again Yes I would, great venue.

Great night out for my birthday, the drag queens were fab, not over the top but funny, food was good for the money, considering it’s the drinks you go for. Service was super, our main server was Kara, however all were good, we never had an empty drink for more than a minute.
Definitely will return

I had a fantastic night at Tonight Josephine!
The aesthetic is absolutely brilliant, and the staff were kind, friendly, and impressively efficient. The cocktails were the best l’ve had in a long time-especially their milkshake cocktail, which was amazing. The music was a solid 10/10, creating the perfect vibe. Honestly, I cannot fault a single thing about my experience. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Wow!! Booked for 16 people for a hen do, it was an absoulte blast, everyone absolutely loved it. Plenty of drinks chicken burgers and chips for everyone. Entertainment was brilliant and the music was good can’t wait to visit again!

Had a brunch here for a large party. Atmosphere was good and the singers were great, really engaged with the crowd and got everyone involved.

But the booking was for quite a few people and we couldn’t all fit at the table we were given, the theme music and act didn’t start until 20 mins into our hour slot and the way it worked wasnt really explained to us, they were slow to “top up” the jugs and the food came out randomly.
But we did enjoy the atmosphere and themed music and made the most of it anyway

Booked the 80’s brunch, we had an absolutely fantastic afternoon of great music and entertainment. We throughly enjoyed every minute of it. Staff were friendly, efficient and we never waited for our drinks to be topped up. Will definitely be returning.

It was a really good venue we attended the drag bingo. The drag act was fun , everyone was nice and special shout out to the female bouncer on the door who was really nice and good at her job. A venue where you feel safe and secure is amazing , the bar staff were friendly , the guys who brought the bottomless drinks to our tables were brilliant .
Would definitely return .

Such an amazing night. We went out for a family members birthday and the hospitality provided by Dondre, Ella and Sara was second to none. We all felt welcomed, they made sure we had whatever we needed and the atmosphere was a vibe. Even one of the staff was singing live which you don’t see anymore. Definitely visiting again

The O2 Academy in Birmingham is a well known venue for seeing shows, with a central city location making it easily accessible by car or train. Parking can be busy in the city so I recommend planning your parking in advance but there is plenty of choice. The venue itself isn’t especially large and if you’re less than six foot tall I’d recommend buying tickets in the stalls not in the main standing area. The venue is well managed and it’s recommended as a great location to see a show on a fun night out.

Good music venue, two rooms. One with a balcony, which is better if like me, you need to sit down. However the second room has nowhere to sit, standing only, which can be a little awkward. Drinks are the usual mega expensive, so don’t be tempted to really drink, unless money isn’t a difficulty. First in the Queue for seats, none reserved, but they do let disabled in first for that reason. Sound quality good, and overall, a good venue.

I recently attended a gig at the O2 Academy Birmingham and had an absolutely brilliant night. The venue has a great vibe — intimate enough to feel connected to the performance, yet big enough to handle a solid crowd without feeling cramped. The sound quality was impressive; every instrument came through clearly, and the vocals were spot on, which really brought the energy of the night to life.

The layout of the venue is smart, with decent views of the stage from most areas, and the tiered levels in the main room make it easier to see even if you’re not right at the front. The lighting setup added to the atmosphere, especially during high-energy tracks, and the acoustics made the whole experience even more immersive.

Staff and security were professional, friendly, and handled everything smoothly — from ticket checks to helping people find their way around. Entry was well organized and the bar staff were quick, even at peak times, which is always appreciated at a packed show.

Facilities were clean and well maintained, and the cloakroom was handy for storing jackets and bags. If I had to nitpick, the drinks were a little on the expensive side — not outrageous, but enough to notice. Still, that’s not unusual for live venues and didn’t take away from the night.

Overall, the O2 Academy Birmingham is a top-tier venue for live music. It’s got everything you need for a great night out and consistently delivers a quality concert experience. I’ll definitely be back for more gigs.

I’ve seen many of artists here and it’s always been amazing. Great venue with easy viewing even from standing. Staff are always friendly and procedures in place to keep everyone safe.

O2 venues often get a bad rap. I like them. Been to this one many, many times. View is great from wherever. Sound can often be good. Staff are always pleasant. Sure we can complain about beer prices but

I recently attended a gig at trhe O2 Academy, I had a great time. Its an amazing atmosphere and you can just chill and enjoy the show with a drink or you can go down the bottom and join the dance floor where you can get more involved into the show. Would highly reccomend this venue.

Super venue. Easy to get to. Watched Camera Obscura who put on a brilliant gig. I’d say 500 capacity in the hall which made it pretty intimate. Easy to get served and decent range of beers.
Another top night at this venue to see The Flaming Lips-top drawer stuff!

decent pub and gig venue although it’s laid out oddly with the main entrance and exit door right next to the stage and a narrow viewing area.. think they should partition off the entrance door.

Decent pub and enue upstairs. Not too big.
Sounds system pretty ok. Prices a bit steep for a club in the location.
Was there for a vinyl 90’s funky house night.
Terrace a little strange with having to go up and down into court yard

Had been at a bar just down from the Hare and Hounds it was a birthday party for someone so we had some left over sausage rolls, bags of crisps etc. we left and tried to visit here and were searched and told we couldn’t come in. We explained that we had no intention of eating the food we just wanted to keep it to the end of the night so we could donate it to charity. The bouncers told us no, we couldn’t come in. I explained that we were happy to leave the food outside because we just wanted a drink, again told no. Absolutely no common sense used, and lost a few rounds of business because of it. I love the hare but am deeply disappointed with them and will consider advising people to avoid it in future

A great pub with friendly staff and a good selection of beers. We ate there before a gig and had the fish and chips which were superb. Prices are pretty typical for the area. We saw Good Bad Happy Sad in the smaller of the two venues, but I’ve seen many bands in both over the years. Generally, the sound and lighting is good and the viewing, dependent upon where you find yourself, is decent. It’s a great place to see smaller up and coming bands.

Fantastic old pub with some decent cask ales

Great classic English pub at its finest! Beautiful glazed tiles, smoked glass, lots of ante rooms in which to drink great beer at a decent price! Plus they host music gigs and are right on the corner of Queens Heath! What’s not to love?! ❤️

Super cool and trendy pub/ venue. Went in two for one burger night and was not disappointed in the quality of the burgers, super delicious and highly recommend!! Also the loaded fries were exceptional, and the addition of the local company Pips hot sauce being available was a nice touch. The pub has a great selection of beers and ciders including local breweries such as attic brewery.

I recently visited here on a Saturday night for a friends birthday. There was 10 of us and we also booked food. We sat upon the mezzanine area where you had a separate bar and toilet area from the main club. The food was nice, ate bread with salmon for a starter, lamb dinner with potatoes for the main followed by the cheese board. After eating the band starting playing and they were really good. We were able to leave our stuff at the tables whilst going down to the dance floor area, and return to the bar and toilet which was great as you avoided long queues. Overall it was a great night.

Fantastic venue. We visited for the acoustic night and it was well worth the trip. Great music, lovely friendly staff, and a super atmosphere. A must see for anyone who finds themselves in the area

Had fun last night. I went all by myself. Old folks who love live jazz and highlife music will enjoy the place better. The securities are good, bar tenders are nice. Overall 8/10

Great gig watching Incognito. The food really was top notch, very reasonably priced and served beautifully hot. The staff were absolutely fantastic, friendly and nothing was too much trouble. One of the nicest whole evening experiences we have had for a long while. Well done The Jam House

Love this place, I do not go for the food, I am recovering reviewing the entertainment.
We always have the best time, and the bands are always on point. Totally recommend.

It appears the security here need to learn some simple manners. This security guard completely ruined my evening for my mother’s hen do and first experience of Jam House. There is a way to speak to people for a simple demand and also important to not intimidate people in doing so (still unsure why it took two of them to ask me to stand up). Likely won’t return.

Went with a friend tonight for the acoustic night and it was such a good night. Lovely venue, delicious food, (could’ve done with a bigger portion with the chicken) friendly staff and great music, some really talented people. Will definitely go again and highly recommend. Loved it.

Had an amazing time. Came and had some drinks and games of pool before seeing Tyler Hilton there a few days ago. Love the vibe of the whole place and the staff were super friendly! Wish I got the name of the main man who served us a few times but he was lovely from around 6pm on 14th may.

Great evening here watching a tribute act. Really small venue for gigs, but awesome atmosphere, everybody was there for a good time. Loads of outdoor seating as well. Highly recommend this place for a night out.

Very popular pub sat on the canal waterway. Large outdoor seating area. Live music.balcony and inside seating areas. Can get very busy

This place has a cool, old-school vibe with rustic decor, and it feels vintage. They play good music, have a great selection of beers, and even a pool table.
The outdoor seating is a highlight, offering a beautiful view of the canal-perfect for a relaxed drink. The staff is friendly and helpful. Overall, it’s a nice spot to hang out with friends. Definitely worth a visit!

Great food/ portion sizes. Lovely location with seats overlooking the canal. Perfect summer spot, can’t wait to come again 🙂

Had a great night out. Good sound and mixing, lighting, great band (Du Blonde). Low cellar ceiling low stage makes it feel homely and you’re with them. Good selection of drinks on tap, nice staff. Didn’t have any food.

One of my favourite bars I’ve ever been in, and I’ve travelled a fair amount of cities and countries. Went on the night of a rock concert at the Utilita Arena and this place played a fantastic selection of rock and metal music all afternoon and after the gig aswell. Such a great atmosphere after the gig, and before the gig it was just awesome to chill by the canal watching the goose family with goslings while we enjoyed our beers and food

We stumbled across this place whilst out walking … live music early on a Saturday evening! and the atmosphere was amazing… plenty of drink selection and the staff were great too.

We arrived early afternoon and I think the staff were readying themselves for the late afternoon slot and were a bit distracted. We had a lovely time before people started to pile in and the band came on. After they came on we had an even better time. They were brilliant and the place was buzzing. It was a shame we had to leave but we had a date with Jeff Lynne.
Thoroughly recommended pub with great entertainment.

We had a great time watching a small concert here! The atmosphere was lovely and really welcoming. I definitely recommend visiting if you enjoy live music in a cozy setting.

Good choice for the second stop on our “stag do” pub crawl. Weather was warm, so we were able to gather outside, where there are a few tables, although we all decided to stand! Good choice of ales and lagers available, friendly bar staff. Highly recommended.

Wow four of us popped in here last Friday for a quick, early nightcap after already being out for 6 hours and ended up staying for another 5. Great atmosphere and music, just the 2 of us on the dance floor early evening my son in law’s Mom and I, love the old hits. Just as we were about to leave a young lady singer came on with her guitar she was absolutely amazing and we didn’t leave until after her two part set had ended. Lady behind the bar was extremely knowledgeable about the drinks, including non alcohol drinks which impressed one of our party who was driving. Left about 10.15pm when the venue was really getting full, great few hours, my liver spent Saturday detoxing

This is the third event/gig I have put on at the Actress & Bishop. Katie and the team have helped ensure it all runs smoothly. A technician in place at the start to help get the bands soundchecks done. A point of contact to ensure the bar runs smoothly. And all of the bands who played praised the setup at the venue.

A perfect place for a private event in the city centre.

Great night watching and auditioning live band. Manager very nice and helpful. Security staff really nice and Friendly. Thank you for a great night.

Loud and heavy metal music if that’s what you like it. A very popular pub with musical history and cased prop’s. And large outdoor mural. Very busy on Weekends.

Great metal pub to visit. Electric atmosphere. The night before Ozzy’s and Black Sabbaths last show was probably not the best night to expect fast service, but was exceptional the day after the show (although no tap beer as all the beer was consumed, even after they increased the order just before by 4 times normal order). Sensational.

This place was absolutely dead when we visited it!!! There was 3 people sitting at the bar and the 2 of us playing pool. Despite advertising they do food we were informed that they don’t. They didn’t have the ingredients for the new Black Sabbath cocktail!!! VERY disappointed! And after extensive comparison, the Randy Rhodes flying V guitar on the wall is NOT the same as he used! At least not in the music videos!

My favourite rock pub in Birmingham and I always go whenever I am in town… which isn’t that often as it 3 hours from where I live. 🙂

Great Guinness. Great decor. Great vibe.

Lots of nods to Ozzy and Black Sabbath which add to the magic.

Really nice metal pub. Love it.

Top place the people working and the people visiting are all nice and they know what they want when they get there, a hard nights rockin out with old friends and new. My favourite place to be and most Saturdays they have live music downstairs only cheap to get tickets £10-£14 per person or £8 if booked online. Well worth the money and guaranteed to have a cool night with like minded people.

I don’t usually leave reviews, but the guys at Scruffy’s, I couldn’t not.
Okay, yes, there are cheaper places to drink, but other places don’t have James, Nick, Connor or Jake. The boys here are phenominal. Fun, chatty, friendly and a genuine pleasure after a long week in the office

Came to watch the ‘back to the begining’ ozzy live stream, Absolutly awesome day/night, got pretty busy in there but atmosphere was electric, amazing and friendly and the bar staff are so quick and efficient at what they do we hardly had to wait for service, definitely be back.

Must visit venue every Friday and Saturday till 6am if you are brave enough.

One of my top 3 venues in Birmingham… decent drinks and a good price (being as thwy are open till 6am) with an amazing vibe.

A must visit place if visiting the city

Came here twice recently with friends from uni. Great venue, always good to have a bar for the alt community. Nice cider and the pool tables are always a fun pasttime. Staff are friendly; the slides on the TVs telling you more about them are quite a nice touch!

Although I would like to apologise for accidentally breaking one of the pool cues and throwing up outside the place whilst I was massively drunk.

This place has been around for decades and been here a few times, especially as a stop before moving onto a club. Popular rock music venue. Relaxed, chilled and easy going.
They have live rock bands on weekends from time to time. Not a very big venue.
A couple of pool tables to the side at only £1 per game, making it popular. No thrills and fair prices at the bar.
We just popped into play pool and have a few drinks.
Good atmosphere Friday night.
Obviously music is not to everyone’s taste, unless you like rock.
They have a small garden at the back for smokers.

Had an absolutely amazing pre concert party at Subside Bar in Birmingham! The energy was electric, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was just what you’d want before a big gig. What made it unforgettable? The band absolutely nailed a full classic Black Sabbath set pure nostalgia and adrenaline! If you’re into rock/metal and looking for a place that delivers both great music and great vibes, this spot is a must.

If you’ve left a club at say 2am and need somewhere to go as its too early to go home then it has to be Subside.
A great bunch of random people with no attitude, friendly bar staff and security.
Somewhat questionable music at times but always a good atmosphere regardless of the tunes.

Great place to be. Good atmosphere and nice choice of drinks. We where there after the Black Sabbath / Ozzy Osbourne farewell gig. Had a lovely night out there.

Great venue.
Been here a couple of times for all sorts of bands.
Nice and intimate venue, good sound and the bar staff are pretty rapid too.

Images from most recent 3IOB gig

Easy walk from new street station no more than 20mins WENT TO THE ASYLUM to see HALOCENE ❤️ support also ❤️AIR DRAWN DAGGER all the best to both THANKS FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT George ( Edinburgh)

Great venue! Fantastic staff!
The Asylum has really good wheelchair access around the lower floor, my power chair did the ramps with ease . I could choose where to sit (unlike other venues) which made for a fantastic night out.
The staff went above and beyond to make sure we were ok throughout the night and helped me get a better view by adjusting a barrier so I could park better. Really can’t thank the staff enough for giving myself and my daughter a fantastic experience like no other venue.

Lost Alone played an amazing set list, seen them several times but this was by far the most intimate gig, truly something special to remember and I hope they return really soon!
I can’t wait to visit again.

It’s a cool alternative venue, the tiki bar outside is definitely a bit left field, but looks alright. Weirdly, moshing and crowd surfing aren’t allowed even though it’s an alt venue. I get the crowd surfing, but moshing? I would definitely go back for another gig though

Amazing venue , came down in January for a gig to see the hara. It’s unbelievable sound quality and reasonable prices on drinks. Overall great venue and lovely staff who make the experience so much easier !

Decent venue and acoustics were brilliant. Great staff on the bar, decent prices and always have a great time here.

Great gig venue with fantastic practice facilities right next door. Easy parking too. Staff were very helpful and friendly. I’ll definitely be back!