Acclaimed actor Javier Bardem, widely recognized for his roles as Rubén Cervantes in the 2025 sports action movie “F1” and the MI6 agent Silva in the 2012 James Bond film “Skyfall“, has once again publicly embraced his deep-rooted passion for heavy metal music.
In a recent interview with Kerrang!, the Academy Award-winning actor spoke extensively about his lifelong dedication to rock and metal, emphasizing that the genre is much more than just a passing interest for him.
“I can’t live without it. It’s what I listen [to] when I drive. It’s what I listen [to] when I’m being driven,” Javier explained. “It’s what I listen to before I go to sleep. Yeah, I listen to Slipknot to go to sleep. Yes. What happened? For me, metal is a way of living. It’s a way of feeling. It’s a way of belonging to a community of people, music and what it means that music, that I’m in tune with.”
While he appreciates a wide variety of genres, Bardem noted that his musical preferences continue to skew heavier as he ages, specifically highlighting legendary foundational acts.
“Every time I listen to metal and hard rock, and also the great classics, like [Led] Zeppelin, [Deep] Purple, [Black] Sabbath, that’s what I like. And the older I get, the more I like it, and the less I like the other options. I have to say. I think I can listen to anything, because I really respect music and musicians. But the thing that makes my heart beat is metal and hard rock,” he added.
This is not the first time Bardem has openly championed the heavy music community. In 2025, a video clip of the actor singing along enthusiastically at a Judas Priest concert gained viral traction online. That same year, he also expressed his admiration for modern metal acts, including Bad Omens.
Furthermore, Bardem recently cemented his status as a dedicated metal superfan by appearing as a featured contributor in the 2026 Iron Maiden official documentary, “Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition“. Released in cinemas this past May, the film includes interviews with the actor as he discusses the enduring cultural impact of the pioneering British heavy metal band.
Beyond his musical tastes, Bardem is also known for his outspoken environmental and political activism. Throughout his career, he has frequently utilized his public platform to advocate for social justice, discuss environmental matters, and challenge systemic corruption.
