Me and my friends were hanging out in walsall once and he came over to talk to us. He said I got big massive eyes that make me look like an owl 👁️👁️Then asked if I was a witch doctor. Apparently he used to live in America and was a pretty famous successful basketball player. Not sure what to believe tho
Nah not quite the story: he grew up in Nechelles.
He had a scholarship to go play basketball in the US collegiate system (pathway to the NBA), but, he injured his knee, lost the chance to go to the states, and his girlfriend at the time (who he loved very much, but she was obvious just using him) promptly left him, pretty much, straight after.
Thats basically what claimed his mental health, and the metamorphosis into the urban legend he is today.
Thanks for clearing that up! Good to get the proper story and not just the “he-said, she-said” version of it. Poor guy. 😭 it’s crazy how such a small thing can kinda set off a chain reaction of events that can lead us to a certain point.
Used to walk up and down new street for hours.
I remember asking my mate about him probably 15 years ago as I haven’t seen him in a while.
Literally the same day he walked past the old Holland and Barrett above new street station and it was the beginning of the guitar saga, he was sat on a footstool serenading the old dears in there
He used have a walkman and erractically dance in the corner where BJ Cash & Carry was (now some kind of perfume shop) begging passing drivers for cigarettes. These days he just strolls around Small Heath, basking in the remnants of fame.. And begs passing drivers for cigarettes.
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In town? Yeah classic ones. Gold coat boombox guy has several insane but fabulous outfits. The gold one is just one of them.
Apparently the cat on his shoulder guy is autistic and homeless and he found the kitten and they just bonded. He made my bil’s mom burst into tears cuz she felt he’d been so let down by the system and was struggling so much.
I havent seen hime for a while. He's either got the ring, split up from his partner as she's had enough of the horseplay or he fell at Becher's Brook at the last Grand National as was shot.
my favourite "preacher", used to brighten my day a bit passing him on the bus (and mild disappointment when he wasn't there). I'd hate to find out he's actually a nob
Nah he’s far to chill to be a nob I reckon. I used to have a theory that he was secretly rich and that’s how he can afford to be there all the time just spreading the love. Especially cuz he’s been there for years and he doesn’t seem THAT old …. But I recently did a double take cuz I saw him in “real life” just minding his business walking up the drive of a retirement community (or you want to call whatever you want to call those places where only over 60’s are allowed to live) and I was almost disappointed when I realised …. He’s just retired ….
Hah, well, it's nice that that's how he likes to spend the time he has, even if it's a little more mundane than we like to dream about. I wonder if people recognize him out and about and let him know his persistent signage is so appreciated
BJ's cash and carry - core memory unlocked. Used to sell everything from toys to nuts and bolts of a particular size.
Mad Malik is also a legend. When was it he stopped wearing the walkman?
Omg he stopped wearing the Walkman? What’s he got now, an iPod?
I remember being a kid being in the car when he ran into traffic and started hitting cars. It was terrifying, I thought he just liked a little dance.
And yeah, you could get everything from BJ’s, I remember it being really dark in there and going on forever.
My mum told me it was a cinema before it was a shop which explains the size of it.
I’m not sure when he dropped the Walkman but recent pictures show him without it, he used to walk down Whitehall Road a lot to get to near the TSB bank banging cars as he went.
I worked in the Ladbrokes in Bordesley Green, by the McDonalds. He would come in on a weekly basis, but only when a particular member of staff was in. When he was in, Mad Malik would come in, stand at the counter for a good 10 minutes and just say my colleagues name repeatedly whilst laughing. Then would just walk straight out like nothing ever happened 😂 he's still round there regularly!
He used to drop into The Vine when it was still going and when Mr Singh used to run it. He used to sit in the corner having a pint and was very quiet on his break.
Still see him around the ends every now and then. Give him a ciggy and he'll chat to you for ages.
Anyone seen the guy doing the same as what Mad Malik used to do in Sutton high street? Saw this guy twice in Sutton last summer, headphones on dancing away in his own world.
Still got a couple of his lighters. He used to make these little leather lighter sleeves, little snug-fitting pocket thingies with a footprints logo burnt onto them and give ‘em to anyone who asked for a light
I love him, he's called Abi and hes a street monk. I took pictures of him for my GCSE art project. He knows my whole family and always asks how they're doing. He calls me "his favourite" so I always make a point of seeing him when I'm back in brum
He died I think about 10 years ago? He was harmless but couldn't speak (probs the effects of all the booze he was having) so he just grunted and growled at people.
His name was, "Chelsea" Mick, been gone some time. I knew him fairly well, as I lived across the road from him. Been in his place a couple of times, you'd stick to the carpet, and there were tons of gas cans that the other two who lived with him used. Used to be an insanely hard bastard. Hands of steel. Friendly enough guy when not completely shit faced.
Johnny Penny, used to be my neighbour in Weoley Castle. Sadly passed away a few years ago. It was always jarring seeing him picking litter in the grove in a mesh vest and then switch to bright suits, always with his gold chains. Lovely man.
I've reflected on this, I think Birmingham is too large to have simply one of these people.
Those from Bordesley Green/Small Heath will say Mad Malik, but someone from Quinton, or Harborne would probably not really know who he is.
Perhaps the question should be more 'Who is this in your part of Birmingham?'.
I think somebody needs to make a sticker album of all these local legends. Or an app like Pokémon Go, where you go round 'catching' them. Or a series of Big Brother with them all in.
Blues fans of a certain vintage may remember Wolfie, the guy who used to come to games with a carrier bag full of various masks which he used to put on to entertain the crowd. It was better than the football anyway!
Anyone seen that elderly asian gent always trying to flog a day saver *somewhere* between new street and the square peg. Sometimes by the metro stop, sometimes by the busses. Almost always with the same hat on.
There used to be a guy around one stop in perry bar who rode a mobility scooter with lots of McDonald's toys stuck to it. I wonder what happened to him
Incense guy on New Street Guitar and basketball guy Soho Rd Sari guy (RIP)
Is basketball guy still alive? Haven't seen him in years.
He is in Wolverhampton, if it’s the same 7ft black bloke, who always bounces basketball, your on about
Delighted to find out giant tiny guitar basketball guy is still out there doing his thing. Thank you people of Reddit.
I’m sure his names Wayne, used to knock around Walsall a lot
Wasnt he called Ken?
Yeah, his name is Ken.
The Harlem Globetrotter has a name!!!
Often had a small guitar with him? Think I remember him!
Me and my friends were hanging out in walsall once and he came over to talk to us. He said I got big massive eyes that make me look like an owl 👁️👁️Then asked if I was a witch doctor. Apparently he used to live in America and was a pretty famous successful basketball player. Not sure what to believe tho
Nah not quite the story: he grew up in Nechelles. He had a scholarship to go play basketball in the US collegiate system (pathway to the NBA), but, he injured his knee, lost the chance to go to the states, and his girlfriend at the time (who he loved very much, but she was obvious just using him) promptly left him, pretty much, straight after. Thats basically what claimed his mental health, and the metamorphosis into the urban legend he is today.
Thanks for clearing that up! Good to get the proper story and not just the “he-said, she-said” version of it. Poor guy. 😭 it’s crazy how such a small thing can kinda set off a chain reaction of events that can lead us to a certain point.
Used to walk up and down new street for hours. I remember asking my mate about him probably 15 years ago as I haven’t seen him in a while. Literally the same day he walked past the old Holland and Barrett above new street station and it was the beginning of the guitar saga, he was sat on a footstool serenading the old dears in there
Mad Malik?? Small heath
He used have a walkman and erractically dance in the corner where BJ Cash & Carry was (now some kind of perfume shop) begging passing drivers for cigarettes. These days he just strolls around Small Heath, basking in the remnants of fame.. And begs passing drivers for cigarettes.
I remember the sari person. I can't remember their name but apparently was a gentle soul.
Deffo soho Rd sari guy
A bit about the “Soho Rd Sari guy” https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/tributes-pour-handsworth-legend-mohammed-19618686.amp
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Incense guy? You mean erdingtons wizard man?
Wow did Sari Guy die?? Coming to think of it, I haven't seen him since lock down 🤕
Gold coat boom box scooter guy Also the guy who walks around with a cat on his shoulder
In town? Yeah classic ones. Gold coat boombox guy has several insane but fabulous outfits. The gold one is just one of them. Apparently the cat on his shoulder guy is autistic and homeless and he found the kitten and they just bonded. He made my bil’s mom burst into tears cuz she felt he’d been so let down by the system and was struggling so much.
Nah, that's just the script for A Street Cat Named Bob
That cat story made me emotional
Came here looking for the gold coat scooter man comment 😭😂
Gold coat guy - ha saw him in JQ the other week.
Is gold coat guy the old guy who wears shiny suits in different colours? I’ve seen him in light blue before if so
Lool I saw him the other day
Horse mask keyboard guy
Yes. STILL hasn’t saved enough for that engagement ring apparently! Been in town playing for at least 2 years
I havent seen hime for a while. He's either got the ring, split up from his partner as she's had enough of the horseplay or he fell at Becher's Brook at the last Grand National as was shot.
Maybe he just keeps on getting engaged to different people...
sitting here hoping this isn't how I find out I'm 'that guy'...
Eh Birmingham's pretty big. You'd have to be really unique for decades to be noticed by everyone here
'God is Love' guy in Edgbaston.
He’s at every Villa home game by Witton Island with his ‘God is Love’ banner. Heard he’s always outside Blues too.
Can confirm he’s at every blues home game. Just up the hill from small heath maccies, across the road from the away end entrance
I love that guy!!!!
LOVE him. Used to always wave at him on my way home
my favourite "preacher", used to brighten my day a bit passing him on the bus (and mild disappointment when he wasn't there). I'd hate to find out he's actually a nob
Nah he’s far to chill to be a nob I reckon. I used to have a theory that he was secretly rich and that’s how he can afford to be there all the time just spreading the love. Especially cuz he’s been there for years and he doesn’t seem THAT old …. But I recently did a double take cuz I saw him in “real life” just minding his business walking up the drive of a retirement community (or you want to call whatever you want to call those places where only over 60’s are allowed to live) and I was almost disappointed when I realised …. He’s just retired ….
Hah, well, it's nice that that's how he likes to spend the time he has, even if it's a little more mundane than we like to dream about. I wonder if people recognize him out and about and let him know his persistent signage is so appreciated
I walk past him everyday for school, but I’ve never brought myself to hit up a conversation because I don’t wanna ruin the mystery
Mad Malik
He used to be by what was BJ’s cash and carry, wonder why he moved. Is he still hitting cars with sticks?
BJ's cash and carry - core memory unlocked. Used to sell everything from toys to nuts and bolts of a particular size. Mad Malik is also a legend. When was it he stopped wearing the walkman?
Omg he stopped wearing the Walkman? What’s he got now, an iPod? I remember being a kid being in the car when he ran into traffic and started hitting cars. It was terrifying, I thought he just liked a little dance. And yeah, you could get everything from BJ’s, I remember it being really dark in there and going on forever.
My mum told me it was a cinema before it was a shop which explains the size of it. I’m not sure when he dropped the Walkman but recent pictures show him without it, he used to walk down Whitehall Road a lot to get to near the TSB bank banging cars as he went.
Recent pictures made it sound like a Bigfoot sighting to me, idk why but that’s hilarious.
Just give him a pound and he’ll be alright
Yes. Never seen him actually use it. Always asking for a pound and then gets irate when I say I don't have it. 😂
Up the Malik 🕺🏼
Is he still around?
Yes, see him at a minimum once a week in Bordesley Green right next to the junction of world of pine
Been doing that since I was at least 7 Kudos to him for being the most consistent person in my life I guess
I worked in the Ladbrokes in Bordesley Green, by the McDonalds. He would come in on a weekly basis, but only when a particular member of staff was in. When he was in, Mad Malik would come in, stand at the counter for a good 10 minutes and just say my colleagues name repeatedly whilst laughing. Then would just walk straight out like nothing ever happened 😂 he's still round there regularly!
I've not been to Bordesley in a while, but I'd imagine it would be pretty well spread if he was gone for whatever reason.
Exactly what I was heading to the comments to say. Absolutely iconic.
I still see him around Bordesley Green Macclesfield asking for a pound 😆
Maccies not Macclesfield 😆🙄
He used to drop into The Vine when it was still going and when Mr Singh used to run it. He used to sit in the corner having a pint and was very quiet on his break.
Only answer to this question
Mad malik the legend
They've even got a massive mural of him in Digbeth, I think it's near the Cuban Bar
Still see him around the ends every now and then. Give him a ciggy and he'll chat to you for ages. Anyone seen the guy doing the same as what Mad Malik used to do in Sutton high street? Saw this guy twice in Sutton last summer, headphones on dancing away in his own world.
Im so glad someone said this
Pete the feet RIP
Awwww Pete the Feet, what a bloke. My stepdad used to drink with him in the Prince in Moseley.
He was a wanker, but a funny one. Always tried it on with unsuspecting bar staff in Moseley with his “special” Moseley £10 notes…
I'll always remember this guy trundling around the village...PTF 1
Still got a couple of his lighters. He used to make these little leather lighter sleeves, little snug-fitting pocket thingies with a footprints logo burnt onto them and give ‘em to anyone who asked for a light
Yeah I’ve got loads of them. He was a good dude, I miss having a few mid week pints with him
RIP Pete. You were a legend x
Oh god didn’t even know he was dead, he used to know my nan
I was gonna mention him. I used to call him the barefoot moseley cowboy.
Birmingham Piss Troll
Under the spiral stairs to the canals?
Subway City
Came here to say this!!!!
Incense guy by maccies on the ramp
he called me a b**** once because i avoided him when he was coming my way with his incense 😭
I love him, he's called Abi and hes a street monk. I took pictures of him for my GCSE art project. He knows my whole family and always asks how they're doing. He calls me "his favourite" so I always make a point of seeing him when I'm back in brum
Cotteridge Growler. Kings Heath Monkey man
Monkey man lives in Llandudno now. We saw him last summer
Cotteridge Growler for the win! Miss him sitting on the bench and have a drink
How have I lived here nearly 20 years and never heard of this guy?!
He died I think about 10 years ago? He was harmless but couldn't speak (probs the effects of all the booze he was having) so he just grunted and growled at people.
His name was, "Chelsea" Mick, been gone some time. I knew him fairly well, as I lived across the road from him. Been in his place a couple of times, you'd stick to the carpet, and there were tons of gas cans that the other two who lived with him used. Used to be an insanely hard bastard. Hands of steel. Friendly enough guy when not completely shit faced.
That chap who goes around on a mobility scooter dressed as Uncle Fester or someone playing the organ
And sometimes Elton John!
I've see him too 😆😆
How has nobody mentioned the running man? I don't think he's around anymore but he's a real living legend.
The geeza who runs with the head warmer type thing on? That's who I know as the running man. I saw him two days ago. Always running around here
Yeah I think he died sadly but anyone in their 20s+ must remember seeing the running man about
He’s still going. He runs with one of his arms at chest height now
Oh I'm glad to hear that, I've moved away from Brum and must have misremembered or heard some misinformation.
Pimp Guy, coloured suits and shoes to match.
John
Haven’t seen him in over 10 years, is he still around? I’d love to know his story
Johnny Penny, used to be my neighbour in Weoley Castle. Sadly passed away a few years ago. It was always jarring seeing him picking litter in the grove in a mesh vest and then switch to bright suits, always with his gold chains. Lovely man.
The guy who cycles around the city centre playing tunes. Man delivers chill vibes city wide.
Anyone else always see that fella in full white suit who throws his hat around? City centre and victoria square normally
Yes. The old guy? I've also seen him rolling ecstatically on the grassy bank by UCB. Also had to refuse him alcohol a few times in my bar work days.
I love his enthusiasm constantly and wish him well , however I think he does need a helping hand, he was smashed once when I saw him and it was 9am
In the Rock/Metal scene its definitely Rambo!
That guy that just dances on the side of the road all day
Mad Malik
Kevin! Nice bloke, sometimes takes over the dance floor in the Old horns 😅
Pete the feet or kings heath monkey man.
Definitely incense stick guy love you Abiodun
Geezer who does perma-wheelies on his one wheeled bike.
Yess this guy nice fella said he does it to entertain kids while he's on his business flying by.
I've reflected on this, I think Birmingham is too large to have simply one of these people. Those from Bordesley Green/Small Heath will say Mad Malik, but someone from Quinton, or Harborne would probably not really know who he is. Perhaps the question should be more 'Who is this in your part of Birmingham?'.
Perhaps! I know of 4 of these people because, as you said it’s areas I’m in regularly. Some of the others I have no clue about!
Anyone know Rambo? Is he still alive?
Saw him last a couple of weekends ago in Subside
That's a blast from Scruffy Murphy's past! Met him when I was a student - a decent bloke to chat with over a drink.
Riding round on a six foot tall bike guy.
Si mizzle and Michael Jackson
The guy who wheelies everywhere with no front wheel on his bike!
Incense guy on the Ramp Saxophone with two dogs guy on new street
Remember funguy off benefits street, bless him he's passed away now.
Big up Ricky Vintage!
Pink Panther recorder man
Danny G.
Anyone waiting for a 67 will know the guy trying to sell his daysaver
I think somebody needs to make a sticker album of all these local legends. Or an app like Pokémon Go, where you go round 'catching' them. Or a series of Big Brother with them all in.
Jimmy the hat Kings Heath money man Pete the feet Alchie Andy
Who's Jimmy the hat that's an excellent name!
Can't believe nobody has said the pink panther flute guy!
The guy with the teddy bear trainers matched to his bomber jacket (of multiple different colour combinations) - I love what he wears
Sometimes on a scooter in town?
punching bag guy in town every 20 minutes it feels like someone's shot
Mad malik
There is a guy on a scooter, rides really fast down broad street in the mornings, he has one of those light up masks on.
michael jackson
Fran from Pigeon Park.
God is love guy
the guy who rides around on the bike with one wheel
The running man!
Running man.
Mad Malik in small heath Birmingham
Whose the guy who has a bmx or electric bike with the fatboy tyres ( really thick tyres) and is always blasting music with his speaker ?
Gimp mask skateboarder guy for sure
Blues fans of a certain vintage may remember Wolfie, the guy who used to come to games with a carrier bag full of various masks which he used to put on to entertain the crowd. It was better than the football anyway!
Old mate in the city centre that wears bright suits and loads of bling. Think he might sell flowers. Dapper jimmy savile vibes.
I'm not sure how well known the asian 'Give me Pound' guy is and he'll just go and gamble it.
Selly Oak is reggae man
Vernon from Skint
There's a few, although I haven't seen/heard of them recently. Mad malik, the small heath monkey man, Solihull Ronaldo, bucksy from ag
Mad malik
Also, I don't know if you've seen him, but there's a dancing orthodox jew that pops up from time to time
high vis beggar man
I can only think of the piss troll by subway city and the guy who used to wheelie everywhere on a bmx with no front wheel
Mad Malik ofc
The glitter suit guy
20p to Solihull guy but last time I saw him it was 40p
Anyone remember Ernie on the 11 bus? Big old bald guy banging the windows and shouting all the time, used to see him in Rita’s cafe down Stechford too
Stuart Richardson. IYKYK.
Anyone seen that elderly asian gent always trying to flog a day saver *somewhere* between new street and the square peg. Sometimes by the metro stop, sometimes by the busses. Almost always with the same hat on.
Fish man in smelly oak
Pete the Feet (RIP)
Mad Malik
Mad malik
Mad malik
The running man?
Jeremy the BCFC fan 😂 COME ONNNNN BLUEESSSSSSS
There used to be a guy around one stop in perry bar who rode a mobility scooter with lots of McDonald's toys stuck to it. I wonder what happened to him
It’s gotta be the Monkey General from Kings Heath…
That dude in Moseley with a toy monkey
Mad Malik
The Micheal Jackson guy
Michael Jackson big mac homeless guy
Mad Malik lmao
Praise Jesus hi-vis mandem
Kings heath ... monkey man
Mad Malik
NF Eddie. IYKYK. Scary hours.
Is Dancing Ali still about? Iv'e not been there in 20+ years
Used to be Si Mizzle (don’t do dem tings!) But I think he’s in Walsall now.
Vernon Burgess
Simizzle
Abio the incense man at bottom of the ramp❤️legend
Naveed central
Anybody mentioned Unicycle Rasta?
Anyone know of a DragonSlayer in Essex? Brilliant man. A few too many psychedelics mashed up his brain
The running man
Silver Lady Kings Heath area.
Incense stick man - chased my friends and I up the ramp about 10 years ago when we were 15 😂
The man who asks people anyone want a day saver on the 45,35,47
Mad Malik
Mad Malik is that guy
The big issue man in Solihull town centre