Birmingham pub hits the high notes by putting faith in live music
A Birmingham pub has become a hotbed of live music after booking bands and performers on a regular basis.
Birmingham has a dearth of live music venues but the Witton Arms is bucking the trend and booking bands.
The Witton Arms, Witton Road, was closed last year before being taken over by new owners. After turning the pub into a home fans only venue for Villa games it has become a magnet for hundreds of fans every week.
However, by filling the football gap with live music and DJs the pub has proved there is demand for entertainment.
Landlady Linda Fitzgerald said: "We cannot rely on the football every week so building up our reputation as a live music venue has been really important.
"We have some great acts coming up including Andy Adams as Elvis, Tony Gold as Tom Jones, Ska International, James T and more including Robbie Williams and Blonde tributes."
Sunday nights have also become a hit with Irish music fans.
Linda said: "Our Irish nights are a real hit, Brendan O'Brian, The Hurling Boys, Katie Rose and the The Wild Irish are all regular acts and we will be having a right Ole Hooley during St Patrick's weekend."
Reggae is also never far from the entertainment rosta at the pub with Tyler providing the sunshine sounds regularly. The pub has also replaced several venues which have closed recently to be on the bootleg band and tribute act circuit.
Linda said: Garry Pease is a favourite as an exceptional tribute to the legendary Rod Stewart. "With the swagger, style, and that unmistakable voice that some of his fans believe even outshines the original!"
Across the road from Witton Railway Station, audiences of individual acts can get there easily from Walsall and Birmingham city centre.
The bar has hosted music for decades and good performers can create a great atmosphere.
She added: "The only problem we have is the dates of Aston Villa's matches being changed so people need to check on our Witton Arms social media to see when we have live music."
One day when the pub will be rocking is when Black Sabbath play their final gig at Villa Park on Saturday, July 5.
Linda said: "We are the perfect place for the pre and after party and Im guessing fans who cant afford the tickets might be listening from our beer garden."
