Jason Momoa’s Terrifying Experience Hosting Back to the Beginning

Actor and metal aficionado Jason Momoa recently shared his exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience hosting the historic “Back to the Beginning” show, which celebrated the legacy of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne during their farewell concert.

Why Was Momoa Nervous About Hosting Back to the Beginning?

On January 15, while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Momoa opened up about the pressures of hosting such a monumental event. He was there to promote his upcoming film, The Wrecking Crew, set to release on Amazon Prime Video on January 28. However, the conversation quickly shifted to his role at the concert.

Reflecting on his admiration for Ozzy Osbourne, Momoa described the legendary musician as “like a god” to him, emphasizing the emotional weight of the occasion. He recounted how he initially sought tickets for the show, desperate to attend with his children, and reached out to friends in the industry, including members of Metallica and Anthrax.

Momoa revealed, “So, the show got announced, and I just called everyone I knew… I was just begging to get scraps.” His persistence paid off when rock photographer Ross Halfin informed him that Sharon Osbourne wanted him to host the event. Momoa had previously collaborated with Ozzy on music videos, which likely led to the invitation.

Yet, despite his enthusiasm, Momoa admitted to feeling “terrified” about hosting. “This [the ‘Tonight Show’ audience] is terrifying. Imagine a stadium and it’s everybody you love, and it’s all my music [heroes],” he explained. The intensity of the moment was palpable, especially when he found himself right at the feet of Ozzy during the performance, an experience he described as “unbelievable.”

Momoa’s Moshing Experience

In addition to his hosting duties, Momoa shared a memorable moment from the concert when he decided to mosh during Pantera’s set. He excitedly recounted grabbing his son and saying, “We’re going!” despite his security team’s concerns. “He’d never been in a mosh pit and I said, ‘You’re going with me, boy,’” Momoa recalled, highlighting the joy of sharing such a thrilling experience with his child.

Other Momoa and Ozzy News

Beyond his recent hosting gig, Jason Momoa is involved in several upcoming projects, including the sequel to A Minecraft Movie, Supergirl, and the highly anticipated Street Fighter film, where he is set to portray the iconic character Blanka.

On the Ozzy and Black Sabbath front, the band continues to leave a significant mark on the metal scene. Loudwire recently honored them by including several of their songs in a list of the Best Metal Songs of Each Year Since 1970. Notably, “Black Sabbath” was highlighted for 1970, while “Crazy Train” took the spotlight in 1980. Additionally, Black Label Society plans to pay tribute to Ozzy with a song titled “Ozzy’s Song” on their upcoming album, Engines of Demolition, set for release on March 27.

Conclusion

Jason Momoa’s hosting of “Back to the Beginning” was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to his deep-rooted passion for metal music. Despite his nerves, he embraced the opportunity to celebrate the legendary Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, creating unforgettable moments for himself and fans alike. As he continues to juggle various projects, fans are eagerly anticipating what surprises lie ahead for this multifaceted actor and musician.

FAQs

What was “Back to the Beginning” about?

“Back to the Beginning” was a commemorative concert celebrating the legacy of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell tour, featuring various rock legends.

Why was Jason Momoa chosen to host the event?

Momoa was chosen to host due to his strong admiration for Ozzy Osbourne and his previous collaborations with him, which caught the attention of Sharon Osbourne.

What was Momoa’s experience like at the concert?

Momoa felt both excited and terrified to host, especially being in the presence of his musical heroes, and he shared a memorable moment of moshing with his son during Pantera’s set.

What projects is Jason Momoa currently working on?

Momoa is set to star in The Wrecking Crew, a sequel to A Minecraft Movie, Supergirl, and the upcoming Street Fighter film as Blanka.

How is Black Sabbath being honored in recent news?

Black Sabbath’s music has been recognized in lists of the best metal songs, and Black Label Society plans to release a song dedicated to Ozzy on their upcoming album, Engines of Demolition.