Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
'It was a melting pot of different subcultures, The Mermaid. So let's remember it.' 💬
In 1980s Birmingham, The Mermaid was a large, dilapidated pub in Sparkhill, a working-class neighbourhood 3 miles south of the city centre.
Regulars speak of the impressive range of underground music showcased at the pub: Primal Scream, Au Pairs, Swans, Chumbawumba.
In 2023, we funded music heritage project @homeofmetal_uk to interview people who were part of the Mermaid scene in the 1980s as part of our Everyday Heritage grant programme, celebrating working-class histories.
The project gathered stories, ephemera, and memories from fans, musicians, and promoters to create a 4-part podcast and a zine publication.
As Sarah Lafford, Lead Researcher, says: 'The enthusiasm and love for the space is testament to how important a physical space is to subcultures. People need a place to gather.'
'It was a melting pot of different subcultures, The Mermaid. So let's remember it.' 💬
In 1980s Birmingham, The Mermaid was a large, dilapidated pub in Sparkhill, a working-class neighbourhood 3 miles south of the city centre.
Regulars speak of the impressive range of underground music showcased at the pub: Primal Scream, Au Pairs, Swans, Chumbawumba.
In 2023, we funded music heritage project @homeofmetal_uk to interview people who were part of the Mermaid scene in the 1980s as part of our Everyday Heritage grant programme, celebrating working-class histories.
The project gathered stories, ephemera, and memories from fans, musicians, and promoters to create a 4-part podcast and a zine publication.
As Sarah Lafford, Lead Researcher, says: 'The enthusiasm and love for the space is testament to how important a physical space is to subcultures. People need a place to gather.'
