Birmingham’s ‘Prince of Darkness’ joined guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Tommy Clufetos and bassist Adam Wakeman to perform the heavy metal band’s classic Paranoid. The 73-year-old, who was born in Marston Green and grew up in Aston, joined his bandmates for the explosive performance. Fireworks went off and the crowd cheered as they launched into their hit song Paranoid. It came at the end of a ceremony which celebrated the history, culture and music of Birmingham and the West Midlands, in front of a live audience of over 30,000. Fireworks went off and the crowd cheered as they launched into their hit song Paranoid Credit: Tim Goode/PA Earlier in the ceremony, infamous fictional crime gang the Peaky Blinders took center stage as part of a celebration of the West Midlands’ musical heritage. The international competition ended on Monday night after 11 days of sporting action. The ceremony, held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, saw performances from artists including UB40, Beverley Knight, Dexys Midnight Runners, Goldie, The Selecter and Jorja Smith. Mercury Prize nominee Laura Mvula, 36, also gave a special performance of a new piece she recently commissioned, inspired by Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand, the Peaky Blinders theme song. The track featured a sequence from the highly anticipated stage play Peaky Blinders: The Redemption Of Thomas Shelby. Written and adapted for the stage by series creator Steven Knight, the production will make its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome on September 27 as part of the 2022 Birmingham Festival. Dexys performs Come On Eileen Credit: David Davies/PA Ahead of the event, Mvulva described her performance as “sexy and dark but happy” and said she was “crammed” for Birmingham. “In general, especially among other areas of the UK that I’ve been to, Birmingham tends to get a bad rep,” he said. “It is the second city. It’s not London. That’s all we know – and the pronunciation. “But what I love about Peaky Blinders, which I’m going to put into my performance tonight, is that they’ve made the Birmingham accent golden again. “It’s something I’m proud of and embrace more. I love it now when people say ‘Are you from Birmingham? I hear it in your accent,’ because it’s part of my heritage.” The cast of Peaky Blinders: The Redemption Of Thomas Shelby Credits: Jacob King/PA 2022 was the most successful Commonwealth Games ever for the countries, with a total of 275 medals, including 85 gold. England led the way with 57 golds, behind only Australia in the medals table, and 176 overall, while Northern Ireland set national records and Scotland and Wales also thrived. The Duke of Wessex officially closed the ceremony, saying: “Every four years, we try to come together to celebrate our Commonwealth through sport. “Thanks to the manner, style and enthusiasm with which you have fought, operated, supported, organized and volunteered, once again brought to life the spirit and values of the Commonwealth. “You have inspired us and hopefully future generations. You have also shown what unites us. Thank you, Birmingham.”
