Stourbridge murals celebrate 1980s bands The Wonder Stuff, Ned's Atomic Dustbin and PWEI, drawing fans from across the UK

Stourbridge in the West Midlands has turned a busy street into an open-air gallery, paying tribute to three hometown icons: The Wonder Stuff, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, and Pop Will Eat Itself. Created by multi-media artist Cal, the murals celebrate the town's rich musical history and invite visitors to experience it firsthand.

Cal describes the project as a tribute to Stourbridge's bohemian spirit, a place where artists, musicians, and writers feel at home. Since unveiling the works, fans from across the country have traveled to photograph the striking designs in public spaces.

Cal explains that his initial goal was modest, but the response far exceeded expectations. He notes that the murals have drawn visitors from far afield, making the town feel like a living gallery of its own musical past.

"The response has been mind-blowing, truly overwhelming," he says. The three pieces were completed this year, with the Ned's Atomic Dustbin tribute on Hagley Road taking the largest footprint at about 40ft by 40ft (12.2m by 12.2m).

Frontman Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff says he is proud of the mural and admits he was struck by its sheer size when he first saw it. He notes the wall of logos feels heartfelt, a touching homage that could inspire younger artists to pursue large-scale public art in the years ahead.

Hunt adds that some passers-by, seeing the enormous logos, might be surprised or confused by the throwback branding. But he believes the striking visuals could spark curiosity in a new generation of musicians and creators to embrace wall art as a form of tribute.

Adam Mole of PWEI also welcomed the initiative, calling the mural perfect and noting that visitors now flock to the site to take photographs—a modern pilgrimage of sorts for fans.

Cal describes Stourbridge as a bohemian town with a thriving arts scene and says there are plans for more murals, including a tribute to Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant.

These works have helped amplify the town’s musical heritage, drawing attention to Stourbridge’s identity as a hub for artists and fans alike.

Key Takeaways

• Public murals honor local music history and attract visitors from across the UK.
• The Ned's Atomic Dustbin mural on Hagley Road is the largest at around 40ft by 40ft (12.2m by 12.2m).
• The project has been widely embraced by fans and bands, turning the street into a tribute site.
• Plans for additional murals, including a Robert Plant tribute, aim to further spotlight Stourbridge’s musical legacy.

Expert commentary

A local arts consultant notes that these murals turn Stourbridge into an outdoor gallery, boosting cultural tourism and community pride while linking past and present for aspiring artists.

Summary

The Stourbridge murals bring The Wonder Stuff, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, and PWEI into public view, celebrating the town’s vibrant music history. The project has sparked pride among the bands and fans and has inspired plans for more public art. As the artworks draw attention, Stourbridge strengthens its identity as a dynamic, artist-friendly town with a growing outdoor gallery.

Key insight: Public murals can revive local music history and boost community pride, attracting visitors and inspiring future generations. BBC report