Black Sabbath’s first manager Jim Simpson has starred in a video about new Adidas trainers that celebrates Birmingham as the founding city of heavy metal.

The video was filmed outside the band’s original venue of The Crown pub, near Birmingham New Street station, and was commissioned by Size?, the footwear and clothing chain that is part of the JD Sports empire.

The footage, commissioned to promote the new Adidas ‘Birmingham’ trainer, features a stylish eulogy from Simpson on how heavy metal was born in the city.

Simpson, now in his mid-80s, discovered the talented musicians Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward in the late 1960s, when they were called Earth. Under his management, they relaunched as Black Sabbath and in 1970 released their seminal debut album named after the band, followed up by the equally adored Paranoid album.

Black Sabbath then went their own way, but Simpson’s crucial role in heavy metal’s early days is recognised by the video that Size? is using on its website, social media and on screens in its store at Cannon Street, Birmingham.

Kieran Rid, designer and art director of La De La Studio, who directed the video and campaign for the retailer, said: “Size? and Adidas have created a shoe dedicated to Birmingham and its music history, more specifically as the birthplace of heavy metal.

“The campaign consists of an aesthetic video that gives a flavour of the city and its music scene.

“We headed down to The Crown and captured Jim talking about Birmingham, the birth of heavy metal and its lasting impact.”

Filmed earlier this summer, the video starts with heavy metal music thrashing out and The Crown colourfully displayed in the background.

Simpson’s voice booms out: “This is Birmingham … the birthplace of heavy metal. It all began here at The Crown.

“Back then it wasn’t a style, just a raw, thunderous sound, forged in the heart of a working class city. We weren’t chasing a movement, we were making one. They said it was dangerous, we knew it was the truth.”

The video goes on to feature Meatdripper, a modern heavy metal band in the city, with the words: “Inspired by what’s come before us. The fire’s still burning. This is my Birmingham.”

Kieran, who produced the video with his brother, cameraman Corey Rid, said: “The launch video went down so, so well with the people of Birmingham and heavy metal fans.

“We can’t thank Jim and Meatdripper enough. We set out to show the city in its best light and think we achieved that, featuring a Birmingham legend alongside the new breed of talent.”

Simpson, who at the age of 87 still works full-time running Big Bear Music in Birmingham, was given a pair of the new trainers as well as being paid for his part in the video advert.

He said: “I was thrilled to be part of a video not only celebrating heavy metal but also highlighting how it all began here in Birmingham. The result was really funky and artistic, creating well-deserved pride in the city.”

The video is part of the 25th anniversary of Adidas’s ‘City Series’ trainers which has also included the ‘Liverpool’ trainer, with a video featuring photographer and musician Mike McCartney, younger brother of former Beatle Paul.