Musicians are often seen as larger-than-life figures who captivate audiences with their musical talent, performances, and creativity. However, behind the spotlight, many of these stars possess fascinating and offbeat interests that reveal their diverse personalities and passions. While their careers may revolve around music, many of these musicians have developed hobbies and pursuits that are unconventional, unique, and sometimes surprising. From visual arts to extreme sports, and even unusual collections, these celebrity musicians show that their creativity and interests extend far beyond the music world. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most intriguing offbeat hobbies of famous musicians.
1. John Mayer: A Passion for Surfing
John Mayer, known for his soulful guitar playing and hit songs like Gravity and Your Body Is a Wonderland, has long been associated with his passion for surfing. Mayer’s love for the daisy blooms ocean and surfing has become an integral part of his personal identity, and it’s something that he frequently shares with his fans on social media.
What makes Mayer’s surfing interest particularly interesting is how it complements his musical career. Surfing allows him to disconnect from the pressures of fame and the music industry, offering him a form of relaxation and self-expression. He has been spotted at various beaches, from California to Hawaii, riding the waves in his downtime.
In interviews, Mayer has explained that surfing helps him to clear his mind and reset creatively. His love for the sport even inspired some of his music. In 2013, Mayer released an album titled Paradise Valley, which was partly influenced by his experiences with surfing and the laid-back lifestyle he embraces when away from the stage.
2. Willie Nelson: An Advocate for Cannabis
Country music legend Willie Nelson has built a career on his distinctive voice, laid-back persona, and advocacy for cannabis legalization. However, one of his most offbeat interests is his deep commitment to marijuana and the cannabis culture. Nelson has been an outspoken advocate for the legalization of marijuana for decades and is often seen as one of the most famous celebrity cannabis users.
Nelson’s love for marijuana isn’t just limited to recreational use—he has taken it a step further by creating his own cannabis brand. In 2016, he launched Willie’s Reserve, a line of premium cannabis products, including marijuana flowers and edibles. His brand aims to provide high-quality cannabis while promoting responsible use and environmental sustainability.
Beyond his business venture, Nelson has used his platform to speak out about the benefits of marijuana, both medically and recreationally. His advocacy has helped to shift public perception and push for changes in laws surrounding cannabis. Willie Nelson’s involvement in the cannabis industry highlights his passion for both his music and his belief in the positive impact that marijuana can have on society.
3. David Bowie: An Enthusiast of the Occult and the Supernatural
David Bowie was not only a musical genius, but he also had a deep interest in the occult and supernatural subjects. Known for his eccentric style and boundary-pushing creativity, Bowie often incorporated elements of mysticism, astrology, and the paranormal into his music and public persona.
Bowie’s fascination with the occult was influenced by his personal beliefs and experiences, particularly during the 1970s. During this period, he became involved with the teachings of occultist Aleister Crowley and was drawn to astrology, numerology, and tarot cards. He famously collaborated with occult-themed artists and explored esoteric topics in his albums, including The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Diamond Dogs.
Bowie’s interest in the supernatural extended beyond his music. He was known to have an extensive collection of occult books and artifacts, and his personal life was filled with rituals and practices influenced by these beliefs. His spiritual and intellectual curiosity made him a unique figure in the music world, blending art, mysticism, and philosophy into his creative output.
4. Tom Waits: A Collector of Obsolete Machines
Tom Waits is a renowned singer-songwriter and musician known for his gravelly voice and eclectic style. What many people may not know about Waits is that he is also an avid collector of obsolete machines, including vintage typewriters, old radios, and mechanical devices. This fascination with old machinery has been a lifelong interest for Waits, and he has often shared his collection with fans and in interviews.
Waits’ love for these objects stems from his belief that they represent a time when things were made with craftsmanship and durability. He has said that the clunky, mechanical nature of these machines inspires him creatively, and he enjoys the process of restoring and maintaining them. In fact, his collection has influenced his music, with many of his songs featuring industrial sounds, clanking noises, and mechanical rhythms.
For Waits, collecting these objects isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of connecting with history and finding beauty in things that others may overlook. His love for these obsolete machines reflects his broader artistic philosophy, which often emphasizes the value of imperfection and the passage of time.
5. Snoop Dogg: A Cannabis Connoisseur and Business Mogul
Snoop Dogg is not only a rap legend but also an entrepreneur with a vast array of business ventures. One of his most famous offbeat interests is his love for cannabis, which has become a central part of his public persona. Snoop Dogg has been an advocate for marijuana legalization for years, and his deep passion for the plant goes beyond recreational use—he has turned it into a business.
In 2015, Snoop Dogg launched his own cannabis brand, Leafs By Snoop, which offers a variety of cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, and concentrates. The brand focuses on high-quality, artisanal cannabis, and Snoop has been involved in every aspect of its creation. His interest in the cannabis industry extends to his investments, as he has backed several cannabis-related startups and is actively involved in the growth of the industry.
Snoop’s love for cannabis also extends to his personal lifestyle. He has often posted photos of himself enjoying marijuana on social media, and his affinity for the plant is well-known among his fans. In addition to his business ventures, Snoop has used his platform to promote the benefits of cannabis, both for relaxation and for its potential medicinal properties.
6. Paul McCartney: A Vegan Activist and Animal Rights Advocate
Paul McCartney, the legendary former member of The Beatles, has long been a passionate advocate for animal rights and veganism. McCartney’s commitment to animal welfare began in the 1970s, when he and his wife, Linda, adopted a vegetarian lifestyle. Since then, he has become one of the most prominent celebrity advocates for veganism and animal rights.
In addition to his personal commitment to a plant-based diet, McCartney has used his fame to raise awareness about animal cruelty. He has been involved in numerous campaigns to promote veganism and fight against animal testing. In 1991, McCartney launched McCartney’s, a line of vegetarian and vegan food products that promote healthy eating without harming animals. The line includes a variety of meat-free products, including vegan sausages and ready-made meals.
McCartney has also been involved with organizations such as PETA and The Humane Society, using his platform to encourage others to make ethical food choices and to advocate for the fair treatment of animals. His interest in veganism and animal rights is not just a passing hobby—it is a central part of his life’s work, and he continues to inspire others to live cruelty-free lifestyles.
7. Brian May: Astrophysicist and Space Enthusiast
Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, is known for his musical genius and his contributions to the iconic rock band. However, what many fans may not know is that May is also a highly accomplished astrophysicist. He earned a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007, nearly 40 years after he first began his studies in the field.
May’s love for astronomy and space exploration began when he was a child, and he has remained fascinated by the universe throughout his life. His doctoral thesis focused on the study of interplanetary dust, and he has been involved in various scientific endeavors, including working with NASA on space missions and contributing to the study of the Mars Rover.
May’s interest in space is also reflected in his music. He has written songs about the cosmos, including ’39 from Queen’s A Night at the Opera, which is about space travel. His academic work and musical career have intertwined in fascinating ways, demonstrating that May’s passion for space exploration goes hand-in-hand with his creative pursuits.
8. Kesha: An Advocate for Mental Health and Spirituality
Pop singer Kesha has often been in the public eye for her wild persona and unique sound, but she also has an offbeat interest in spirituality and mental health. Kesha has openly discussed her struggles with mental health and body image, and she has used her experiences to advocate for others facing similar challenges.
One of Kesha’s most notable hobbies is her interest in spiritual practices such as astrology, tarot readings, and energy healing. She has openly embraced these practices as part of her personal journey to find peace and healing. Kesha has even included spiritual themes in her music, such as in her 2020 album High Road, where she explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment.
In addition to her spiritual practices, Kesha has used her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues. She has spoken candidly about her struggles with depression and anxiety, encouraging her fans to seek help and take care of their mental well-being. Kesha’s advocacy for mental health, along with her spiritual interests, showcases her commitment to healing and self-improvement.
Conclusion
Celebrity musicians are known for their unique talents and creative contributions to the world of music, but many of them also possess fascinating offbeat interests that reveal different facets of their personalities. From John Mayer’s passion for surfing to Brian May’s love for astrophysics, these musicians demonstrate that their creativity extends far beyond their instruments and microphones. Whether it’s through their advocacy for animal rights, their interest in space, or their exploration of spirituality, these musicians show that their offbeat hobbies and pursuits play a vital role in shaping who they are as people and artist
