Jason Momoa, widely recognized for his commanding screen presence, recently revealed a deep passion for metal music during an appearance on the YouTube trivia series Track Star. The show, which challenges guests to identify songs through headphones, allowed listeners to witness Momoa’s genuine enthusiasm for the genre as he connected with various tracks. This candid moment shed new light on his musical tastes, displaying his authentic appreciation for metal music.
Discovering Metallica and the Roots of Momoa’s Musical Journey
During the interview, Momoa explained that Metallica was the first metal band to capture his attention, rather than the often-cited Black Sabbath. He credited Metallica as the gateway through which he discovered other metal legends.
“I actually found Sabbath through Metallica,”
Momoa shared, recounting how his path into metal music unfolded amidst his varied musical upbringing.
Raised by a single mother, Momoa’s initial exposure to music was rooted in Motown, blues, and jazz—a stark contrast to the heavy metal sounds he would later embrace. He recalled,
“I grew up with a single mother who raised [him] on Motown, so it was definitely all Motown and blues and jazz…”
This background laid a different foundation before the introduction of heavier styles.
The shift came through skateboarding culture and channels like MTV, where funk and alternative bands began influencing him. Momoa described,
“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… 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].”
The Playlist Reflects a Wide Range of Metal Icons
The episode featured a playlist that spanned several key bands in the metal and alternative scenes, including Black Sabbath, Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, Alice In Chains, Nine Inch Nails, TOOL, Iron Maiden, Korn, Misfits, and Helmet. This selection highlighted not only Momoa’s knowledge but also his respect for a broad spectrum of heavy music styles and eras.
The Cultural Impact of Momoa’s Metal Music Passion
Jason Momoa’s openness about his metal music interests offers fans a refreshing glimpse into an often unexpected side of the actor. Known primarily for his roles involving physical action and fantasy, his appreciation for an influential and intense genre like metal reveals a deeper, personal connection to music culture. As metal music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, Momoa’s enthusiasm may inspire new listeners and bring further recognition to this enduring genre.
His candidness also demonstrates how artists can influence each other across different mediums, bridging the gap between film and music. Looking ahead, Momoa’s enthusiasm suggests he may continue to engage publicly with metal music, whether through interviews or possible collaborations, nurturing a cross-cultural appreciation for the genre.
“I actually found Sabbath through Metallica,” – Jason Momoa
“I grew up with a single mother who raised [him] on Motown, so it was definitely all Motown and blues and jazz…” – Jason Momoa
“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… 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
“What’s the name of your show?” before adding, “One day, I’m going to watch it.” – Jason Momoa
