It has an amazing atmosphere, I went to see Sigrid there in December. The only downside is it has no parking nearby. read more

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Over the years I have seen some amazing live music at both this O2 Academy and at its previous location on Dale end. Its one of those place that you can only say 'it is what it is'. Last night we spent a good amount of time fighting our way to the front of the bar to spend £5 on some of the worst beer I have tasted. The thing is......you kind of don't mind! It's always been like this and I have honestly come to expect it. If you want to see a great live show go to the academy. Don't be expecting cocktails or anything fancy, just a good sound system, sweaty room and usually a top night out. read more

O2 Academy - Music Venues Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

Pretty good overall for a venue of this size (3500 or so capacity in the main room). Decent sight lines, ok sound, solid staff & service. The sound, like in most rooms this size, tends to be best around the center 20 - 40 feet from the stage. Can be murky elsewhere. Easy walk location from New St Station is also a plus for those making the trek from out of town like I did. read more

O2 Academy - Music Venues Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

I have been to see many a gig here over the years, but after heading out to see the legendary Prodigy last night - I finally felt it was time to tap out a review. First, let's have a look at the venue. Boasting 3 (?) different venues of differing sizes; I have been to both the Academy and Academy 2. Academy 2 is bob on really... Sound always seems to be fine for a venue of this size and there are toilets readily available as well as ample bar space. Drinks are (as you can imagine) overpriced, but this is pretty standard for gig venues all around the country. As a top tip, if you are on the mobile network O2 - you can get deals for drinks which seem to make it a whole lot more reasonable. Academy 1 is unfortunately where my rant has to begin... The main hall is reserved for bigger acts and I have seen several larger bands here (Rob Zombie, Orbital and last night, The Prodigy) over the years. I had a seating ticket in the balcony area and was impressed to note that there are two separate queues (one for standing and one for seating), which makes entry a little easier to manage. The security greeted me in a friendly manner on the door and duly checked everyones bags as they went in, so nothing to complain about there. The bar queues upstairs were pretty horrendous (there are two bars), but again, that is to be expected. A pint of Turborg was £4.80/£4.90 - which, again, is to be expected. The toilets before the main act had come on were really filthy and I witnessed some unsavoury behaviour therein. Whereas security seemed to be pretty hard on people dancing in the seating area (telling people to sit down, even when the others around them genuinely didn't mind), they didn't seem to be checking the toilet area regularly enough. The real crime of the night was the sound. Now, I have seen both Orbital and Prodigy before live (Orbital at the Leeds Academy and Prodigy outside of a tent at Download Festival), but the sound at O2 Birmingham was shocking compared to the previous experiences. There was no audible treble, the bass was too high, there no distinction between the bass and mid range, hardly any vocals for Keith Flint and any melody was turned down so low that it was completely lost... I couldn't actually recognise most of the tracks for full minutes whilst they were playing. This was made even more disappointing when the band seemed to try and put on such a good show with a massively varied set. Needless to say, I left seriously disappointed at the whole experience. I just cannot understand why the sound here seems to be so sub par, especially when I had such a positive audible experience at the Institute last year? In summary... If there is a big band coming to town that you are desperate to see, I would recommend checking to see if they are playing in any other local venues before opting for the Academy 1. The Academy 2 (I can't comment on 3), is totally fine for more niche bands - but Seriously sound and security crew... Let's sort this out, shall we? Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this venue. read more

O2 Academy - Waiting... Bring the noise! - Music Venues Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

Since its highly publicised move from its former premises on Dale End, the city's popular O2 Academy has thrived in its new, larger home. Formerly the Dome nightclub, the 'new' Academy (it's been located on Bristol Street now since 2009) has continued to offer the best in mainstream and indie music acts but has upgraded to a far more inviting and spacious building. The primary Academy room is where the biggest name acts play, and it's definitely an improvement on the old Academy which always felt a bit like a hole in the ground in my opinion. It's not exactly like there are chandeliers on the ceiling or anything, so it's still welcoming to youngsters who want to messily mosh along to their favourite indie rock band, but it's certainly far nicer than what we had before. Upstairs is balcony seating too, while two smaller venues - imaginatively titled the Academy 2 and Academy 3 - showcase buzz names and acts who are well-kept secrets. While the various venues are host to gigs throughout the week, Friday is home to the hit Propaganda club night which offers a three-room alternative to Snobs. The queues to get in are a bit of a pain, and the queues at the bars are even more frustrating, but the dancefloor is definitely a fun place to dance with mates to the latest indie, dubstep and electro hits. Look out too for special guest DJs - everyone from Ellie Goulding, Noah & the Whale and Jay from 'The Inbetweeners' has spun favourite records downstairs in the main room. read more

O2 Academy - Music Venues Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

Besides taking an anti-corporate stance and choosing to support independent venues more often than visiting the O2, the odd visit is inevitable. Sadly, even with a massive multi-million pound relocation onto the Bristol Road, the gaudy veneer of a chain venue translates into a sobering experience for the average punter: Extortionate bar prices are probably the O2's number one offence. It's all the usual lager and spirits you can expect, but don't ever to offer to buy a round if you plan on paying this month's rent... The sound is pretty lacklustre from both sides of the stage from previous experience. Have constantly been frustrated either on the stage or in front of it. Compared to the Hare, the Flapper and even the recent Ballroom it sorely lacks a personal and locally conscious touch that has helped music venues survive during financially trying times. An unnecessary and expensive experience overall, although Propaganda is quite fun if the idea of nostalgically pogoing to Bloc Party and Vampire Weekend after a few pints and feeling really alternative appeals at all. read more

I've been to this venue twice so far and found the atmosphere thoroughly enjoyable both times. The first time was to see Lostprophets, I was pretty chuffed at getting to the barrier, which at most rock concerts is like a VIP space. It was great being so close up and almost personal with the band, I recall Lee Gaze the lead guitarist flashing us a smile. An amazing concert, shame about what happened to that band. The second time I visited this venue was to see Bullet For My Valentine, again I was pretty close to the front only one row back. The advantage of o2 academy, its a small place that guarantees you a decent spot without having to queue for a whole day. I'd recommend getting standing tickets at this venue, it adds a more personal feel, like you're at a massive party where everyone shares the same passion for music and the lack of space makes you feel equal to the band. The view from balconies however isn't that great and you tend to feel detached from the show. Both shows I went to plenty of cups of water were provided by the stewards and everyone in the crowd was friendly making sure that it was distributed evenly all the way till the back. Towards the back of the Venue there is a bar and merch stands, all of the staff were friendly and talkative. Great strobe lighting and sound. Being such a small venue everything was pretty much easily accessible. The only downside to my experiences here was queuing in the cold for about 2 hours for each show, however once you get inside, well worth it! Perfect for anyone who is used to the atmosphere of rock gigs, (disclaimer: yes there can be moshpits and plenty of pushing! Not suitable for younger children without adults) rock n roll. read more

For those of us who fondly remember sticking to the floor at the old Dale End academy, the relocated one took some getting used to. A spacious venue, not lacking in bars, the not so new (its been open for two years now) and improved O2 academy on Bristol Street doesn't disappoint. The venues three rooms Academy 1, 2 and 3 (genius) mean gigs can simultaneously take place upstairs and downstairs. The sound quality is vastly improved from the old academy, meaning gigs are much more aurally delectable. The academy works well as a gig venue throughout the week, always host to artists as diverse as The XX, Alanis Morisette and even Thin Lizzy tribute bands! Though be forewarned, if on a Friday night your gig will have a slightly earlier curfew (10.30 rather than 11pm) to allow for Propaganda, meaning an earlier start rather than a shorter set. Queues for the bar are often longer than desirable, but this is somewhat inevitable at a big gig venue such as this. Propaganda on a Friday night can be said to cater for all manner of alternative tastes. Unwind from the weeks stresses to the dulcet beats of Indie, Dubstep or Electro. This venue offers much more room to dance and much less home brewed vodka than Snobs which can only be a positive thing.The dubstep room never fails to be hilarious. The Academy 1 main room is always buzzing, with ample space on the dancefloor to relive your youth with some Brit pop classics. After all, belting out Wonderwall when drunk never gets old. At first glance, the Bristol Street Academy appears not so ideally placed for pubs for a pre-gig/ pre-Propaganda pint, which is worrying to say the least. But panic not, the venue is in fact only a short walk from both the Victoria and the Sunflower Lounge for some drinks before or after. O2 Academy gets a definite thumbs up. read more

Came here to see the All Saints concert reunion. This runs under the same brand as the London location. Very similar to the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver. There are seats up top in the round for decent sight lines and fair sound. No snacks, bar only, however, they will sell you chips if you need to absorb the alcohol. The staff could be friendlier. One guy made a big deal about Peter and I standing to dance in the corner with no one around. The place is weirdly constructed. Ladies and men's washrooms on two completely different floors. read more

Close to city centre just down from mail box , live music venue . As you would expect large square space with stage . Balcony seating area. Bars are poor with limited choice of drinks and as you would expect expensive . Just seen Levellers there very good , very loud . read more

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As well as being home to various concerts and events throughout the year, the O2 Academy also hosts Propaganda on a Friday night. A night that has fast become one of the biggest and most popular club destinations. The O2 Academy provides various rooms, each playing a specific type of music, in order to appeal to the different visitors who head to Propaganda every Friday night. Located fairly in walking distance from Broad Street, Moor Street and New Street, Propaganda is considered an ideal destination for different a range of Birmingham's avid club goers. Propaganda is seen as one of the cheaper nights out in Birmingham, offering an array of drinks at extremely competitive prices. All in all, Friday night at the O2 Academy is definitely worth a visit, offering different genres of music, able to satisfy anyone's musical preference. read more

Having moved here a couple of years ago they certainly took the time to brand the space and make it shiny, however it never seems to escape the sticky floor syndrome predominantly standing music venue that chooses weird vinyl over wood. It's a great gig venue and for those that can't be bothered to stand there are some seats on the balcony to the main academy room. Within the same building there are also rooms 2 and 3 where multiple gigs can happen in all rooms on the same night. Whilst the venue's sign telling you whose on can be amusing when this happens and you see your fave emo band name (The Get Up Kids) alongside mega dance stars (The Scissor Sisters) the sounds can be off and affected. If you are seeing a band in one of the smaller academy's it can be spot the merch in the dark as they don't have a designated section they can effectively light. If you are seeing someone in the main room then there always seems to be an added premium to the merch. As a big venue they also have their club nights and whilst often busy the toilet area is often more hellish than any other club with its narrow layout. What I hate about big gig venues that double as club spaces is the open wallet surgery when you attend the gig and then the cheap prices for the club. If only they could be consistent across both as main academy shows often have more attendees than the club nights. As for the music in the mains room on club night, well it seemed a bit too mainstream indie with some very obvious classic, 10 years old plus, punk or metal tracks. Can do better in my opinion as not everyone comes for the cheap booze. read more

First, the good. Its a decent venue, the right size to still feel intimate yet a fair few people get to see the band. Its not like the NIA where you need binoculars to see what is going on, sound isn't great and its all a bit impersonal The negative is that this brand basically perpetuates ticket touting by the simple way it is set up and sells tickets. Unless you have an O2 phone and contract you are, frankly, screwed if you want to see any band with even a modicum of a following. You can hang on the phone until tickets go on sale at 9.00am and I guarantee that you will be told that they are sold out at 10 seconds past 9.00am. The reason for this is that O2 operate a presale for customers, so tickets have been on sale for days before the general sale. This results in tickets being re-sold at huge premiums on all the well known re-sale sites or by touts outside the venue. Being honest, if you are local, go to the venue...sit outside until the touts are getting desperate and bargain them down...ultimately they get £10, £20 or go home with worthless paper in their pockets. O2 do a lot to promote music in the UK but really fail in this aspect. read more

The O2 Academy provides facilities for a wide range of events; from weekly occurrences to gigs and concerts. The nightlife that they provide, it being Propaganda, was a great place to go to on a Friday night when Propaganda was first established in the Birmingham area. It was promoted and advertised in every student location in Birmingham and still is, however, not so many people go anymore which is a shame because it was actually a good venue that sold cheap drinks back in its prime. Now I only go to the O2 Academy when gigs are being held and it's such a great venue when there is a gig performing. The bar can get extremely crowded and sometimes not enough staff are working making it difficult and long to order drinks but the sound system they provide is amazing! read more

If you stand under the balcony the sound is awful, move into the middle of the venue if you can and it gets much better but its still not ideal. The balcony also blocks your view from a number of areas only way is to push into the middle front somewhere if you want to see, plus its not a good venue for the shorter people amongst us as the stage isn't very high. read more

Would give zero stars if it were an option, worst venue I have ever been to. Staff are barely existent and not polite you can't even enjoy the music you've come to listen to as there are too many people, awful, avoid at all costs!!!! read more

I thought this place was perfect to get close to the artist playing, would definately go there again and perfectly accessible to get back into the centre/ restaurants etc. read more

Overall an amazing experience! There are two types of tickets to buy sitting or standing. I picked standing, kind of a bad mistake. I nearly got crushed to death! That might be a little over-exaggerated but my first real gig was certainly a time to remember. Sitting would be better for younger people maybe. If you like that live music atmosphere then I would recommend standing! You should also get there earlier so you're not at the back of the queue, (although you don't really have to wait for longer than an hour). The music wasn't too loud or quiet and the atmosphere was excellent. The staff were helpful and it was easy to buy things after the gig had finished. The intervals between bands was a little lengthy though. read more