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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ of Metal is a brand new project aimed at creating the first digital archive of metal music, memorabilia and fans stories.Ìý It's all about celebrating the Midlands as the birthplace of metal with a digital archive of metal music, memorabilia and fan stories.

Fans pay homage to the gods of metal

Fans of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, Napalm Death and Godflesh are being encouraged to bring along their related memorabilia, photos and stories to the museum to be recorded and archived on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ of Metal website.

The archive will provide a historical resource for fans, musicians, educational environments and journalists, highlighting the incredible global impact of this genre of music, which originated in Birmingham and the Black Country.

Tony Iommi gives his support

The event is supported by artists and fans alike receiving messages of support and best wishes from some of the artists who originated from the area, such as Black Sabbath, with the group’s guitarist Tony Iommi saying:

Tony Iommi's guitar

"I'm really proud to be a Brummie and to call Birmingham my home, that’s why I'm supporting the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ of Metal events and message.Ìý Your surroundings and experiences influence your music so it’s important for people to know where that music came "

Tony has even agreed to loan his guitar to exhibit at the event - a Black Gibson SG Custom with Guild Black Leather Guitar Strap.

Pioneering bands

Rob Halford lead singer of Judas Priest said:

Napalm Death founder Nicholas Bullen

"I think it is fantastic to recognise something as valuable and important as what they're representing with all the hard work they're putting into making this great moment available for everyone to check out.

"And it is great, you do get the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame over in Cleveland in the States and various institutions around the world that have been created for certain types of music and that should certainly be the case for the Brits – and the Midlands especially as regards metal. You've got pioneering bands that have come from that part of the world and have left a significant mark in the picture of rock and roll."

Stop sneering and celebrate!

It is clear that this project has tugged many heartstrings among both fans and band members alike, the importance of this project in celebrating and shouting out about the musical heritage of Birmingham and the Black Country cannot be underestimated.

Celebrating Midlands metal

Daniel Trilling said in the New Statesman Magazine: "Heavy Metal was born in the West Midlands and has developed a global following matched only in Hip-Hop. Its time to stop sneering and celebrate this proud cultural heritage…"

The event will be hosted by Kerrang! Radio presenter Johnny Doom with special guests including music archivist Chris Phipps, plus film screenings, activities and memorabilia on display.

At 1pm Chris Phipps will be in conversation with Johnny Doom, followed by a screening of Motor City Music Years.

It's all free

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ of Metal is at Waterhall, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, from 11am - 4pm on Saturday 7th February 2009. It's a free event and everyone is welcome. Fans who are unable to attend the open day can still contribute to the archive by uploading photos of their memorabilia to the website http://www.homeofmetal.com.