Legendary Birmingham nightclub The Rum Runner gets Blue Plaque

On 16 December the Birmingham Civic Society will be unveiling a Blue Plaque on the site of the legendary Rum Runner Club in Birmingham. 

The former Broad Street nightclub was once at the centre of the 80s New Romantic scene in the city.

The club was renowned in its day for its flamboyance and ‘anything goes’ attitude. The site of the Rum Runner is being recognised for its contribution to Birmingham’s nightlife and music culture. 

The award will celebrate the legacy of the former nightclub which was once the stomping ground of celebrity fashion designers as well as members of Duran Duran, The Beat, Dexys Midnight Runners and many more.

Jez Collins of the Birmingham Music Archive says: “It’s fantastic that the Rum Runner is being recognised with a Blue Plaque from the Birmingham Civic Society, following on from the award for the DJ Tony De Vit. This award is a brilliant end to a fantastic year for Birmingham and our music culture.

“We’ve had the incredible Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies that highlighted the city’s amazing music, which Duran Duran performed at. They have also been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame alongside fellow Brummies and Black Country legends Judas Priest.”

The Rum Runner was first opened in 1964 by the Berrow family as a nightclub and quickly became the place for musicians and celebrities to hang out and where the hard rock band Magnum had a residence before going on to international fame. 

Following a trip to New York’s famous Studio 54 by brothers Michael and Paul Berrow, the club was then rebranded with a new music policy introduced which led to the immense success of the venue. 

Duran Duran’s Planet Earth video was filmed on location as well as The Beat’s Mirror In The Bathroom promo.

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