Jason Momoa, known as both an actor and musician, demonstrated his extensive knowledge of heavy metal music during a recent episode of Track Star. The lifelong metalhead, who attended Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert in Birmingham, UK, in July, faced a challenge to identify songs from prominent heavy metal bands. This challenge put his passion and familiarity with the genre to the test, highlighting his genuine admiration for metal legends such as Black Sabbath, Pantera, and Metallica. Momoa’s metalhead challenge showcased the artist’s deep-rooted connection to the music and culture that shaped his life.
Early Musical Influences and Discovery of Black Sabbath
Momoa shared that his discovery of Black Sabbath came through Metallica, explaining his musical journey from childhood. Raised by a single mother who immersed him in Motown, blues, and jazz, Momoa first encountered other musical styles like funk from bands such as Primus and the Red Hot Chili Peppers during his skateboarding years. However, Metallica’s music video for “One,” widely regarded as one of the earliest metal videos on MTV, captivated him and led him to explore Black Sabbath’s work. This moment was a turning point in Momoa’s musical tastes, deeply influencing his metalhead identity.
“I don’t know how to tell you why I love Black Sabbath. They’re just… that’s my heartbeat. I love them with every ounce of my soul.” – Jason Momoa
“I actually found Sabbath through Metallica. I grew up with a single mother who raised me on Motown, so it was definitely all Motown and blues and jazz… So I experienced… like I found funk like Primus and Red Hot Chili Peppers and that kind of stuff through skateboarding and then Metallica; just like when you see MTV, when it was — I know that’s not around anymore — when it was, seeing [the music video for] “One“, the first metal video — I think it was one of the first metal videos — it blew my mind. And then through Metallica [I discovered Black Sabbath].” – Jason Momoa
Highlighting Favorite Metal Albums and Personal Connections
Throughout the challenge, Momoa voiced his affection for Metallica, referring to the band as his “pals” and expressing a special connection with their early albums. His top picks include Metallica’s first three records: Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, and Master of Puppets. These albums evidently hold a significant place in his musical foundation, reinforcing his enthusiasm and deep ties to the metal community. This admiration extends to other influential bands across varied metal subgenres.
Admiration for Diverse Metal Subgenres and Influential Bands
Jason Momoa’s metalhead challenge revealed not just his knowledge of classic heavy metal but also his respect for the evolution of the genre. He praised nu metal pioneers Korn, industrial metal icons Nine Inch Nails, and alternative metal trailblazers Tool. Additionally, he acknowledged the contributions of new wave British heavy metal leaders Iron Maiden, rap-metal torchbearers Rage Against The Machine, and grunge stalwarts Alice in Chains. His awareness and appreciation span a wide spectrum, reflecting both historical significance and personal preference within metal’s diverse scene.
Performing Nearly Flawlessly in the Metal Song Identification Challenge
During the episode, Momoa was tested on his ability to recognize songs from various heavy metal titans. His performance was impressive, coming close to a perfect score. This near-flawless run demonstrated not only his passion but also his extensive knowledge and experience with metal music. By successfully identifying tracks across multiple subgenres and eras, Momoa underlined his credibility as a devoted metalhead.
The Impact of Jason Momoa’s Metal Enthusiasm
Momoa’s appearance on Track Star and his compelling metalhead challenge highlight his role in bridging popular culture and metal music. His open reverence for bands like Black Sabbath, Metallica, and others shines a light on metal’s enduring influence across generations. This exposure also brings metal music into mainstream conversations, potentially encouraging fans of his acting career to explore the genre more deeply. As Jason Momoa continues to advocate for metal’s legacy and connect with his idols, his impact promises to keep the genre vibrant and influential.
