Sometimes the best celebrity moments happen when stars forget about their status and simply enjoy being fans. Jason Momoa created an unforgettable moment at Black Sabbath’s farewell concert by diving headfirst into the mosh pit during Pantera’s set, proving that even Hollywood A-listers can’t resist the call of heavy metal.
The “Aquaman” star shocked fans at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday, July 5, when he leaped over the barricade and joined thousands of metalheads in the pit during the “Back to the Beginning” farewell show.
The 45-year-old actor had been serving as host for Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance, but when Pantera launched into “Cowboys from Hell,” Momoa couldn’t contain his excitement. After introducing the band on stage, he told fans to “make some space” before jumping over the barricade and diving into the crowd, according to Express & Star.
Carlos Javier Mendes, a 38-year-old fan from Suffolk who was just eight rows back from the barricade, captured the wild moment on video and called it the best concert experience of his life. “He came off stage, gave Phil Anselmo a fist bump and then just jumped into the pit,” Carlos told the outlet. “He was singing, headbanging and just having fun.”
The sight of a Hollywood star moshing alongside regular fans created an electric atmosphere that elevated an already historic event. “It was amazing to see him being a proper metalhead, not just a celebrity,” Carlos continued. “I’ve been to hundreds of concerts and this was the best one ever. Seeing Jason Momoa behind me, just enjoying the music like a regular fan, made it unforgettable.”
From Host to Headbanger in Seconds
Momoa’s path to hosting this legendary concert began with him desperately trying to secure tickets like any other fan. Speaking to Kerrang, he revealed how his persistence led to an unexpected opportunity. “I was just calling my buddies. I called Scott Ian, I called Kirk [Hammett], I called people basically begging to go,” he shared.
The turning point came when photographer Ross Halfin reached out with surprising news. “He hit me up and [asked if I was going to be there]. I said I was trying to get a ticket, then he’s like, ‘Sharon wants you to host it!’ I’m like, ‘What the [expletive] are you talking about, man?!’ I’m over here begging for a ticket and now they want me to host it!”
Despite his initial nervousness about hosting, Momoa’s genuine passion for the music shone through. “Ozzy is everything to me. Sabbath is every-[expletive]-thing, man,” he expressed. “I remember the first song, I remember playing Sabbath to my kids the first time. I love everything about that band. They’re real man, and I’m just going to be around everyone that I grew up loving.”
The historic concert marked the final time the original Black Sabbath lineup – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – would perform together, their first reunion since 2005. The event featured an impressive lineup, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Gojira, Alice in Chains, and many other metal legends.
Viral Moment Captures Hearts of Metal Fans
Video footage of Momoa’s mosh pit adventure quickly went viral across social media platforms, with one clip garnering over 9 million views, 1.1 million likes, and more than 3,000 comments. The actor was joined by his 16-year-old son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa, making it a family affair at the metal festival.
Fans responded overwhelmingly positively to Momoa’s authentic display of fandom. “Jason [is] so real for this, just wanna mosh like everyone else,” one fan commented. Another added: “He is living his best life and I’m here for it.”
The genuine nature of Momoa’s participation struck a chord with metalheads worldwide. “Respect to Jason-being a TRUE fan of the music and not just an observer! Rock on, man!” one supporter wrote. Another fan noted: “He doesn’t need security, as he’s his own security!”
Some concert attendees didn’t even realize they were sharing the pit with a Hollywood star. “Are you telling me I was breathing the same oxygen as JASON MOMOA?????” one surprised fan commented after seeing the footage online.
During Pantera’s four-song set, which included Black Sabbath covers “Planet Caravan” and “Electric Funeral” alongside their own hits “Cowboys from Hell” and “Walk,” Momoa incited a massive circle pit. After his energetic participation, fans lifted him and passed him back toward the stage, creating a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of metal culture.
The concert served multiple purposes beyond entertainment, with all proceeds benefiting Cure Parkinson’s charity, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
Momoa has expressed his fanboy enthusiasm for metal concerts previously, as he joined Pantera on stage during their February show at Wembley Arena.
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Watch Jason Momoa Dive Into a Mosh Pit at Black Sabbath’s Final Show