It was a sad day when we could no longer see rock concerts at the Odeon. In the late 70s/early eighties I was lucky to see Sabbath, ACDC, Scorpions, Motorhead, Rush, Def Leppard, Go West (in fact it felt like I saw a concert every week in those days). I also remember watching Pink Floyd's Wall at the Odeon. The cinema was packed - the only time I have seen "standing room only" for a film.
I saw Iron Maiden (before they became famous) in a pub on Hill Street (can't remember if it was the Golden Eagle or Golden Arrow). Another favourite was watching Magnum at the Mercat Cross.
The building of the NEC took a little of the excitement away for me. I always enjoyed the intimacy of the Odeon and smaller pub venues. That said I've seen some amazing concerts there.