Here’s a bold statement: Jason Momoa, the man behind Aquaman, didn’t just attend Black Sabbath’s final gig—he hosted it, and it’s a moment he’ll never forget. But here’s where it gets controversial: Momoa’s deep love for the band and his insistence that even Aquaman listens to Sabbath might just challenge everything you thought you knew about superhero playlists. Let’s dive in.
Last summer, Hollywood’s Jason Momoa had the honor of hosting Black Sabbath’s farewell concert in Birmingham, an event he described as “the greatest hard rock show” and a “moment in time.” The gig, held at Villa Park, saw frontman Ozzy Osbourne perform five songs for the last time in front of 40,000 fans. And this is the part most people miss: the show wasn’t just about Sabbath—it was a gathering of legends, with Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith joining the stage. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime lineup.
Momoa, who was initially just hoping to score tickets, was stunned when he was asked to host. “I just wanted to get tickets, bro, and they’re like, ‘Would you host it?’ What? What?” he recalled. For him, being part of the event was more than just a gig—it was a tribute to a band that had inspired him throughout his career. “Every character I’ve ever played, Sabbath had one way or another influenced it,” he explained. “You don’t think Aquaman didn’t listen to Sabbath, bro? Get out of here... you think I’m listening to Abba??!”
The actor’s connection to the band runs deep, and he believes their music has shaped not just his performances but the entire cultural landscape. “There’s something from Sabbath that has affected someone else who, in turn, helped me play that character,” he said. It’s a ripple effect that highlights the band’s enduring legacy.
Reflecting on the night, Momoa described the energy of Birmingham as electric. “I don’t think I’ve been in a city where I’ve felt the whole town screaming back at you,” he said. Sitting alongside members of Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the moment. “This is the greatest show,” he remembered thinking. “There’ll never be a concert for hard rock as good as that.”
Here’s the controversial part: Momoa threw his support behind a petition to rename Birmingham Airport after Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away just weeks after the concert at age 76. The petition gained nearly 77,000 signatures, but airport officials rejected the idea, citing the current name’s value for development. Momoa, however, remains steadfast in his belief that Ozzy is Birmingham’s “hometown hero,” and the city will always honor his legacy.
Visiting Birmingham to promote a new alcoholic drink, Momoa praised the city and its residents. “I think it is a beautiful city, and the people are outstanding,” he said. For him, Birmingham isn’t just a place—it’s a symbol of rock history and community.
So, here’s the question: Do you think Aquaman’s love for Black Sabbath changes how you see the character? And should Birmingham Airport be renamed after Ozzy Osbourne? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
