Former clubbers and a DJ of famous Westside night spot The Rum Runner ‘dance-stepped’ back in time to help pay a lasting tribute to the popular former venue.
The Rum Runner club served Broad Street revellers for nearly a quarter of a century before it was demolished in 1987.
It has now been immortalised for future generations with the unveiling of its own blue plaque courtesy of the Birmingham Civic Society.
More than a hundred people attended the event on 16 December at the Rum Runner Works, which is on the site of the former club. including former staff, clubbers, DJs and musicians of The Rum Runner. Brummie rock legend Steve Gibbons was one of the musicians in attendance.
The plaque was jointly unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Maureen Cornish, and Paul Berrow, former owner of the club and ex-manager of Duran Duran with his brother Michael.
The plaque will be located on the site of the former night club, now known as Rum Runner Yard, which lies between Walkabout and The Soloman Cutler.
It bears testimony to the numerous bands and musicians who rehearsed or performed at the club since it opened in 1964, from UB40 and Magnum to Black Sabbath and Dexy’s Midnight Runners.
However, the inscription gives special recognition to legendary ‘80s pop band Duran Duran, fronted by Simon le Bon, saying they “worked, rehearsed and performed” at the club.
Jez Collins of the Birmingham Music Archive said: “It was a fantastic afternoon.
“About 130 people attended alongside the Lord Mayor and Paul Berrrows and family to celebrate the iconic Rum Runner club.
“There was a lot of love in the room with musicians, DJ’s, staff and clubbers all attending.”
He added: “Duran Duran picked it up on their socials and I know a couple of people were messaging both Roger and John Taylor as the unveiling was happening.
“The overall feedback I’ve had is how important and timely it is that the venue has been celebrated and how Birmingham needs to celebrate its music culture more, and more loudly which of course is what I’m doing with the BMA.
“It was a fitting end to a great year for Birmingham and our music culture!”
For more information visit www.birminghammusicarchive.com
