A series of photographs of local heavy metal fans by rock photographer Steve Gerrard are currently on display at West Bromwich art centre, The Public, as part of their Art of Noise exhibitions programme.

Forming part of the Home of Metal project, celebrating Birmingham and the Black Country as the birthplace of heavy metal, the exhibition helps celebrate those who have kept the scene alive and fresh for so many years.

From teens to grandparents, each with their unique and individual style, the collection of images highlight the passion of music lovers within the much celebrated genre.  Captured across the region, including at the Giffard in Wolverhampton and Scuffys Murphys in Birmingham, the photographs have been touring the midlands as part of Home of Metal for over 2 years.

Gerrard has been an accredited photographer for bands such as Radiohead, Metallica, Kiss, Muse, Nine Inch Nails, Iron Maiden, The Sex Pistols, Bon Jovi and Kings Of Leon, and has had his work published in magazines including Rolling Stone, Kerrang!, NME, Terrorizer, Metal Hammer and Rock Sound.

Linda Saunders, Managing Director of The Public said, “Birmingham and the Black Country has a rich musical heritage to be proud of with music fans playing an important role in the regions cultural identity.  Gerrard’s images capture the emotion and passion of the fans from across the midlands and help celebrate a much loved genre”

Home of Metal: Heavy Metal Fans forms part of The Public’s Art of Noise programme, a series of exhibitions looking at the significance of sound and music in the Arts.  Further exhibitions include My Generation: The Glory Years of British Rock, a collection of images from behind the scenes of Top of the Pops, 1964-1973 by Harry Goodwin, and Carillon Shadows, an incredible sound and light structure by Jony Easterby.

Art of Noise runs from 21 October 2011 to 15 January 2012, Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, 11am – 3pm and is free to visit. 

Home of Metal is a celebration of the music that was born in the Black Country and Birmingham, and is a project created and produced by Capsule.

For more information visit www.homeofmetal.com

For more information about exhibitions at The Public visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161.