It’s no secret that actor Jason Momoa is a big fan of heavy music. The Aquaman star has partied with members of Slayer, and portrayed Ozzy Osbourne in one of the Prince of Darkness’ videos. But in a new interview, Jason reveals that while he had been interested in learning to play bass for a while, he didn’t get really into it until an unexpected performance of Tool’s “Sober.”
Spealking to Guitar World, Momoa recalls the moment where his passion for bass truly ignited — while playing “Sober” for his assistant as a birthday gift.
“We were on the set of Aquaman. I always have instruments on the set, so my son was playing drums and my daughter was playing guitar. It was my assistant’s birthday, and she really loves Tool, so I borrowed a bass from my buddy and we all played ‘Sober‘ for her. Right then, my passion for bass really exploded. The moment I put it on, I could just feel the connection – and it was all over.”
“I always knew I wanted to play bass. After that I wanted to play standup, so I bought one and now it’s a passion for me, with how it makes me feel and how it sounds. I studied and studied and studied bass, and I was like ‘My God, I wish I would have done this when I was young.’ I wish that I had that opportunity — but I’m making up for lost time.”
While Jason is quick to note his metal influences — “Pantera, Rage Against The Machine, Primus, Black Sabbath, Red Hot Chili Peppers…I really, really love John Frusciante and Flea, they’re really huge in my life” — he also makes a point of naming some of the more indie-oriented musicians he loves. “I’m really rooted, like one of my gods in music is Tom Waits, but having said that, my goddess is probably Ani DiFranco. I was raised with Miles Davis and Janis Joplin, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor is one of my all-time favorites, too.”
Watch the video for Tool’s sober — one of the most disturbing videos of all time — below:
***
Words by Chris Krovatin
