Black Sabbath murals reaction 'unreal' says artist

An artist creating a 120ft (36.5m) mural depicting all four original members of Black Sabbath says the reaction so far has been "unreal".

The street art is set to be completed in time for the heavy metal band's sold-out concert at Villa Park in July, with artist Mr Murals hoping it will also honour the "creative spirit of Birmingham".

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward will be immortalised on Navigation Street near Grand Central Station.

"I can't even process how many people have stopped," the artist said. "I thought it was going to be busy but I didn't think it would be this crazy."

Mr Murals added that more than 100 people had stopped him to take photos and ask questions in just one day, with many sharing their memories of Black Sabbath gigs in years gone by.

Mr Murals has been blown away by the reaction

"That's why I love painting outdoors," he added. "I think a lot of other artists love that as well.

"I'm probably exaggerating that I'm exhausted because of actually working, but I think it is more chatting.

"I've probably done more chatting the last five days than I have all year."

More than 100 people stopped him in one day

The artwork has been commissioned by Central BID Birmingham with the support of Network Rail.

Mr Murals, who has previously painted Osbourne in black and white, also spent more than 200 hours creating the Peaky Blinders mural on the walls of Digbeth Loc Studio.

It will be done in time for the band's Villa Park gig

Black Sabbath formed in Aston in 1968.

Their final gig will also features dozens of other heavy metal legends, including Metallica, Pantera and Anthrax.