Mothers (music venue)

Mothers was a legendary music venue located in Erdington, Birmingham, England, operating from 1968 to 1971. Situated above a furniture store on High Street, it became renowned for hosting major rock and progressive rock acts of the era. Unlike typical dance halls, Mothers provided a dedicated space for live music, attracting a devoted following due to its eclectic bookings and atmospheric setting.

Key bands that performed at Mothers include Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath (playing some of their earliest gigs there), Deep Purple, The Who, Free, Traffic, Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull, and many others. The venue was known for its late-night sets, often running until the early hours of the morning, and its focus on showcasing emerging talent alongside established stars.

Mothers was lauded for its intimate atmosphere and the opportunity it provided audiences to experience live music up close. Despite its relatively short lifespan, its impact on the Birmingham music scene and the broader British rock landscape was significant. The venue closed in 1971 and has since gained iconic status among music enthusiasts.