Jason Momoa shared his intense experience hosting the final Black Sabbath concert, held last July at Villa Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The actor, known not only for his film work but also as a devoted metal fan, described the emotional weight of the event and his deep admiration for Ozzy Osbourne and his family. This moment marked a remarkable intersection of his passion for music and dedication as a film producer.
How Momoa Became the Host of the ‘Back To The Beginning’ Event
Momoa revealed on the January 15 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon how he landed the hosting role. When the event was announced, he reached out to bands like Metallica and Anthrax desperately to secure tickets so he could attend with his children, aware of the limited availability. Despite the challenges, legendary rock photographer Ross Halfin contacted him, informing him that Sharon Osbourne wanted Momoa to host the concert.
Momoa explained,
“I had to host for them. He’s like a God to me. It was unbelievable, yeah. I loved him.”
He recalled helping the Osbourne family by working on music videos for Ozzy in the past, which likely contributed to them trusting him with the hosting duties. Still, he admitted the prospect was daunting:
“I’m, like, terrified. Terrified. That many people. [Sitting at this studio in front of a live audience] is terrifying. Imagine a stadium. And there’s everybody you love [playing at the event]. I mean, all my music — everyone. METALLICA, GUNS N’ ROSES. You can’t believe all the people that are there. And dude, I’m on the poster.”
He described his close proximity to Ozzy during the show, standing “right at Ozzy’s feet” alongside Ross Halfin while observing the performance quietly with his children. Sadly, Osbourne passed away just weeks after the concert.
Momoa’s Memorable Moments in the Mosh Pit with His Son
During the same television interview, Momoa shared a thrilling memory of jumping into a mosh pit with his son, Nakoa-Wolf, aged 17, while Pantera performed as a supporting act. Despite concerns from his security team, he insisted on taking his son in to experience the raw energy of the crowd for the first time.
He recounted,
“I grabbed my son, and I was, like, ‘We’re going.’ And my [head of] security [Liam], my buddy who was helping me, he was, like, ‘No, you’re not.’ And Liam went in there too. But I grabbed my son. He’d never been in a mosh pit. I was, like, ‘You’re going with me, boy.’ I jumped over. We went in there for PANTERA.”
Momoa’s Thoughts Days Before Ozzy’s Passing
Just four days before Ozzy Osbourne’s death on July 22, 2025, at age 76, Momoa discussed the magnitude of the event with People magazine. The actor expressed the surreal feeling of attending the concert and standing alongside his musical heroes. He said,
“To be at SABBATH, that’s 13-year-old Jason going, like, ‘Wow.’ Hanging out with all my music rock gods and different friends — it’s just pinch me. The comedown is going to be brutal.”
Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Momoa’s Metal Music Roots
Following Ozzy’s passing, Momoa paid homage on Instagram by sharing a photo of himself with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne from the farewell concert. He wrote, “Love you @ozzyosbourne,” and added,
“All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP.”
Born in Hawaii, Momoa has long embraced heavy metal culture. He credited bands like Pantera, Metallica, and Mudvayne for helping him adopt the intense mindset needed for iconic roles, including playing the warrior Conan in the 2011 remake directed by Marcus Nispel. He also worked with Oli Peters, the Canadian vocalist of death metal band Archspire, to perfect a distinctive vocal style for his role in the Apple TV+ sci-fi series See.
The Enduring Impact of Hosting Ozzy’s Final Concert
Jason Momoa’s role as host of Black Sabbath’s last show was more than an honor—it was a deeply personal tribute to a music legend who shaped his life’s soundtrack. His nervousness and awe in front of thousands underscored the unique pressure of bridging his worlds of film and rock music. The event’s significance echoes beyond the stage, providing fans with a final chance to see Ozzy surrounded by the artists and people he inspired most.
With Ozzy Osbourne’s passing shortly after, Momoa’s reflections reveal the emotional weight carried by those closest to the music and the profound loss within the heavy metal community. The concert stands as a historic farewell, immortalized by Momoa’s unexpected but heartfelt role as host and fan.
