On 5 July 2025, Hollywood star Jason Momoa took to the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham, hosting Black Sabbath’s monumental final performance, dubbed “Back to the Beginning.” The Aquaman and Game of Thrones actor, a lifelong heavy metal devotee, declared it the “most epic day in the history of heavy metal,” a sentiment echoed by the 42,000 fans packed into the stadium and countless others watching via a global pay-per-view livestream. Momoa’s infectious enthusiasm set the tone for an 11-hour celebration of the band that birthed heavy metal, as he paid tribute to Birmingham’s cultural legacy and Black Sabbath’s unparalleled influence. His presence, both commanding and relatable, electrified the crowd, making the event a fitting farewell to the genre’s pioneers.
Momoa’s connection to Black Sabbath runs deep, and he didn’t hold back in sharing his passion. “I’m not just a fan, I am obsessed with Sabbath,” he told the roaring crowd, admitting that their music has shaped every character he’s ever portrayed, from Khal Drogo to Aquaman. His history with the band includes starring in an unreleased music video for Ozzy Osbourne’s “Scary Little Green Men,” where he channelled the Prince of Darkness himself. Momoa’s authenticity shone through as he recounted begging for tickets before being asked by Sharon Osbourne to host, a role he embraced despite never having emceed before. His raw energy culminated in a moment of pure metal spirit when he leapt into the mosh pit during Pantera’s set, headbanging alongside fans.
The concert, a charity event raising £140 million for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorns Children’s Hospice, and Cure Parkinson’s, was a star-studded affair. Alongside Black Sabbath’s original line-up—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—metal titans like Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, and Tool performed, with a supergroup featuring Slash, Billy Corgan, and Tom Morello adding to the spectacle. Momoa’s role as host tied together the rapid-fire sets, though he admitted to Kerrang! he had no script, simply letting his love for the music guide him. Despite the high-octane performances, the night belonged to Black Sabbath, whose brief but blistering set of classics like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid” left the crowd in awe.
Birmingham, the birthplace of heavy metal, was at the heart of the event’s narrative. Momoa’s heartfelt tribute to the city resonated with local pride, as fans like comedian Joe Lycett, who cried through Ozzy’s set, celebrated the band’s return to their Aston roots. The concert, held just streets away from where the band formed in 1968, was a homecoming of global significance, with fans travelling from as far as Mexico and Colombia. The city’s “Summer of Sabbath” included exhibitions, murals, and civic honours for the band, cementing their legacy. Momoa’s declaration that Birmingham is the “home of metal” sparked cheers, amplifying the emotional weight of the night.
The energy of “Back to the Beginning” was palpable, both in the stadium and through the delayed livestream that allowed global fans to join the historic moment. Momoa’s unscripted, larger-than-life presence—whether hyping the crowd, moshing with fans, or filming Black Sabbath’s final bow with two phones—captured the raw-
