Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Forging Metal

Bev Bevan explores the origins of heavy metal music and Black Sabbath's homecoming gig. With interviews and music from Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Slipknot.

Radio WM,21 episodes

Episodes

ListGrid

1. How it all began
As the world celebrates the life of Ozzy Osbourne, explore the early days of Heavy Metal.
22 Jul 2025,9 mins
2. The Swinging 60s
With the nation influenced by The Beatles & Blues, a space was emerging for Heavy Metal.
23 Jul 2025,7 mins
3. Moving Heaven & Earth
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi reveals the moment the band had to make a big change.
23 Jul 2025,12 mins
4. The Accident that Shaped Music History
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi explains how an accident at work changed his life.
23 Jul 2025,12 mins
5. Conquering America
Black Sabbath set their sights on America after the success second album Paranoid.
23 Jul 2025,12 mins
6. Who invented Heavy Metal?
Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, The Move or The Kinks all have their claims to Heavy Metal.
23 Jul 2025,14 mins
7. Twin Guitar Attack
Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford reveals how they decided to introduce a second guitar.
23 Jul 2025,11 mins
8. The Golden Age
Explore how bands like Metallica, Slayer & Iron Maiden achieved global fame in the 1980s.
23 Jul 2025,11 mins
9. A Horror movie inspires Metal
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler got the idea for their name from a 60s horror film.
23 Jul 2025,13 mins
10. What Happens On Tour
Explore behind the scenes of the famous stories of Black Sabbath on tour.
23 Jul 2025,13 mins
11. Witchcraft & Devil Worship
Tony Iommi discusses why Black Sabbath were never able to escape links to the Occult.
23 Jul 2025,12 mins
12. Leather, Studs & Chains
Leather jackets, trousers, metal studs & chains. Explore Heavy Metal's distinctive style.
23 Jul 2025,11 mins
14. Moshing & Circle Pits
Exploring the biggest Black Sabbath gigs of all time and the popularity of ‘mosh pits’.
23 Jul 2025,13 mins
15. Who will be the next Black Sabbath?
Exploring what the future holds for the Heavy Metal genre & who's leading the way.
23 Jul 2025,12 mins
16. The Sabbath Legacy
As we celebrate the life of the late Ozzy Osbourne, explore the legacy of Black Sabbath.
23 Jul 2025,11 mins
Ozzy's Story
Bev Bevan looks back on a rollercoaster summer for heavy metal fans in Birmingham.
03 Dec 2025,60 mins
17. Ozzy’s Story: Back to the Beginning
The world of Heavy Metal celebrates the announcement of Black Sabbath's final homecoming.
03 Dec 2025,10 mins
18. Ozzy’s Story: The Freedom of the City
Ahead of their final gig in Birmingham, Black Sabbath receive the Freedom of the City.
03 Dec 2025,7 mins
19. Ozzy’s Story: Coming Home
40,000 heavy metal fans travel from around the world to attend ‘Back to Beginning’.
03 Dec 2025,11 mins
20. Ozzy’s Story: Saying Goodbye
The world of Heavy Metal is rocked by the news of Ozzy Osbourne's death.
03 Dec 2025,15 mins
21. Ozzy’s Story: His Legacy
How will the world pay a lasting tribute to the ‘Prince Of Darkness’?
05 Dec 2025,17 mins