Musicians and Their Unexpected Hobbies – 10 Surprising Passions You Didn’t Know About

Musicians often project larger-than-life personas on stage, yet many cultivate unexpected interests offstage that contrast or complement their public image. It can be astonishing to witness the wide range of pursuits that energize their downtime.

Gambling, beekeeping, and even model railway-building are prime examples of how they find balance. There’s a special delight in learning about hidden passions, offering glimpses into personalities that aren’t always obvious under the bright lights.

Let’s discuss some unexpected hobbies famous musicians like to indulge in.

1. 50 Cent

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson isn’t just an influential figure in hip-hop; he’s also quite the risk-taker when it comes to placing bets. High-profile wagers have been a major part of his offstage persona for years, stirring up headlines and sparking more than a few gasps.

He once threw half a million dollars on the table during an NFC Championship Game, and that was just a warm-up compared to the jaw-dropping $1.6 million bet he placed on a UFC match.

It’s impossible not to see the parallels between his betting habits and the fearless nature he exhibits in business. He made a name for himself in the music world through aggressive lyrics and savvy entrepreneurial moves. That same bold attitude appears at the sportsbook window.

His love for gambling isn’t just a hobby—it’s part of his persona, and those who enjoy the thrill of betting can find plenty of action at https://22bet.ng/

Read more on celebrities and their gambling problems. Find out which ones were caught in a casino. The last one will shock you!

2. Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead)

Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead fame was the embodiment of hard rock. However, those who met him away from stage lights often spotted him at a slot machine, completely engrossed in spinning reels and hunting down jackpots. Guitar riffs and microphone stands took a back seat to neon lights and the occasional clink of coins.

His passion for gambling surfaced in Motörhead’s music more than once. “Ace of Spades” is famously associated with the thrills and perils of games of chance. That unrelenting energy he poured into rock music found a perfect counterpart in the ding-ding-ding of casino floors.

3. Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper built his career on shock rock theatrics—fake blood, electric chairs, guillotines, and spooky make-up. Audiences never knew what to expect at his shows. Meanwhile, bright-green fairways have become his personal oasis away from stage fright and special effects.

Golf offered him a well-needed outlet when he battled addiction. The structured, rule-driven nature of the sport kept him centered, giving him a routine that demanded patience and concentration. He ended up scheduling much of his touring calendar around tee times, so he could keep his passion going strong.

4. Scott Ian (Anthrax)

Scott Ian, the rhythm guitarist for thrash metal band Anthrax, isn’t shy about his fondness for poker. He has participated in well-publicized tournaments and even considered playing professionally.

That strong sense of strategy—evident in the band’s measured approach to songwriting—resonates just as deeply when he’s analyzing opponents at the poker table.

Cards demand a razor-sharp mind. One miscalculated move can mean your stack of chips goes “bye-bye.” In that sense, thrash metal and poker share common ground: precise timing, nerves of steel, and the readiness to switch tempo in a split second.

5. Sully Erna (Godsmack)

Sully Erna, frontman of Godsmack, is another rocker with a serious poker fixation. He’s so committed that he flaunts a massive tattoo featuring four burning aces and the phrase “No Justice,” symbolizing a crushing hand that went from a dream scenario to a nightmare. Quad aces lost to a royal flush, an event that would haunt any poker player’s mind.

His dedication to high-stakes showdowns is well documented. He has joined big-money tournaments, rubbing elbows with seasoned professionals. Music might be the main calling, but he loves exploring the strategic realm of cards.

6. Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart, legendary singer of “Maggie May” and countless other hits, has dedicated over two decades to constructing an astonishingly detailed model railway. Talk about commitment.

He even demanded extra hotel rooms during tours so he could continue building without interruption.

The scale of his layout is mind-blowing. It stretches over 1,500 square feet, mirroring a 1940s American city with painstaking accuracy. There’s something methodical in setting up each tiny lamp post, building façade, and train car.

The same performer who hopped around stages with huge energy finds calm satisfaction in miniature cities.

7. James Hetfield (Metallica)

James Hetfield of Metallica famously roars into microphones, performing anthems that echo worldwide. Away from the crowd, he retreats to a meditative hobby that contrasts with the intense vibe of heavy metal: beekeeping.

In interviews, he has occasionally mentioned the peace he finds in tending hives, describing it as a grounding practice that calms an otherwise hectic lifestyle.

Imagine the frontman behind songs like “Master of Puppets” patiently observing worker bees and orchestrating hive maintenance. It’s a scene that practically demands a double take.

8. Maynard James Keenan (Tool)

Maynard James Keenan of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer brings the same level of meticulous artistry to wine that he channels into music. He established Caduceus Cellars in Arizona, breaking ground in an area not typically viewed as a viticultural hotspot.

The result? Critically acclaimed wines that reflect both patience and a willingness to experiment.

He has been known to roll up his sleeves and work in the vineyards, controlling every detail from planting to bottling. Much like the intricate arrangements in his songs, each vintage conveys unique character and attention to detail.

9. Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

Flea, the electrifying bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, channels his energy into a board game that has entertained minds for centuries. Chess offers a curious contrast to his hyperactive stage presence.

All that stage-diving (no pun intended—actually, let’s call it “crowd-leaping” to avoid certain words) might hint at a scattered mind, but he’s a sharp strategist.

He has participated in tournaments and enjoys challenging anyone willing to sit opposite the board. It’s a perfect way to merge intellectual stimulation with his competitive spirit. Those rapid bass lines might reflect the same nimble thinking that helps him maneuver rooks and knights.

10. David Bowie

David Bowie brought boundless originality to the music scene, adopting shifting alter egos like Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke. Far from the glitzy stage outfits, he also found artistic release in painting.

His work reflected a strong influence from German Expressionism, alongside his own abstract explorations of human emotions and broader cultural themes.

Painting became a therapeutic channel, enabling him to process complex thoughts in a visual format. Unlike the immediacy of performing “Space Oddity” to thousands of fans, quiet hours behind a canvas allowed for private introspection.

Concluding Thoughts

Artists often channel creativity into more than just music. Some chase adrenaline with slot machines or sports betting, while others cultivate serenity by tending bees or practicing a delicate swing on the golf course.

It’s not only about showcasing how multi-dimensional they are. It’s also a reminder that passion is at the heart of any endeavor—no matter how unexpected. Fans might only see lights, pyrotechnics, and pounding drums, but away from the crowd, a whole other world unfolds.