Guide
Musicians Who Left Fame for Normal Jobs
Musicians who left fame for normal jobs: Success in the music industry can be fleeting and while some artists achieve long-lasting fame, others find themselves stepping away from the spotlight to pursue normal careers. Whether due to financial struggles, changing interests, or personal circumstances, many musicians have transitioned into surprisingly normal jobs. Here, I explore some musicians who left fame for normal jobs.
Vanilla Ice – Home Renovation Expert
Robert Van Winkle, better known as Vanilla Ice became a huge name back in the early ‘90s with his hit song “Ice Ice Baby”. However, after his music career dwindled, he reinvented himself as a home improvement expert. He now runs a successful real estate business and has even hosted a home renovation TV show, The Vanilla Ice Project.
MC Hammer – Tech Consultant and Pastor
MC Hammer was a global sensation in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for hits like “U Can’t Touch This”. However, financial troubles led him to file for bankruptcy. Today, he works as a technology consultant in Silicon Valley and is also an ordained minister.
Geoff Rickly (Thursday) – Bookstore Employee
As the frontman of the influential post-hardcore band Thursday, Geoff Rickly gained a dedicated following. However, after the band’s hiatus, he took a job at a New York City bookstore. While still involved in music, his primary income comes from his day job.
Phil Collins – Retired and Focused on Family
While technically not in a traditional job, legendary drummer and singer Phil Collins stepped away from music due to health issues. He now spends most of his time with family and has significantly reduced his public appearances; you now have more chance of catching him in the supermarket than on camera.
Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones, but also briefly a musician) – Academic
Jack Gleeson, known for playing King Joffrey on Game of Thrones, was also involved in music before shifting his focus. He left Hollywood and now studies philosophy and theology, teaching at universities in Ireland.
Terry Chimes (The Clash) – Chiropractor
As the original drummer for The Clash, Terry Chimes was part of one of punk rock’s most influential bands. However, after leaving the music industry, he retrained as a chiropractor and now runs his own practice in the UK.
David Lee Roth – EMT
The former Van Halen frontman shocked fans when he became an emergency medical technician (EMT) in New York City. He pursued the job for several years before stepping back into the music industry occasionally.
Tom DeLonge (Blink-182) – UFO Researcher
Though he is still involved in music after returning to rejoin Blink 182, Tom DeLonge previously made headlines for his passion for UFO research. He founded To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science, which studies extraterrestrial phenomena and has even worked with the U.S. government.
Freddie Prinze Jr. – Chef and Wrestling Writer
While better known as an actor, Freddie Prinze Jr. was once involved in music before Hollywood fame. Today, he has shifted his focus to being a chef and working as a writer for WWE and you will likely struggle to find him associated with music these days.
Greg Norton (Hüsker Dü) – Restaurateur
Greg Norton, the bassist for the legendary punk band Hüsker Dü, left music behind to pursue a career in the restaurant industry. He successfully ran several restaurants before briefly returning to music in recent years.
Why Do Musicians Leave the Industry? (Musicians Who Left Fame for Normal Jobs)
The transition from music to normal jobs often happens due to:
Financial Instability: The music industry is unpredictable, and many artists struggle to sustain long-term financial security. Also, sometimes artists fall out of favour due to changing trends and they may get dropped from their labels.
Lifestyle Changes: Some musicians seek a quieter, more stable life after years on the road. Being in the public eye has been known to get draining and it appears that it can take its toll after a while.
Health Issues: The pressures of touring and performing can take a toll on mental and physical health.
New Passions: Many artists discover new interests that lead them in different career directions.
Conclusion On Musicians Who Left Fame for Normal Jobs
Although it’s surprising to find well-known musicians working in regular jobs, their experiences show that celebrity life isn’t for everybody and how resilient people are to redefine themselves. From computer consultants to house builders, these former stars show that life after music can be equally exciting.
He discovered the gem when he was 12 years old and still has it now, claiming it to be why he fell in love with music. He likes to play disc golf when he's not writing about music. He is a one-of-a-kind individual who is always the first to bust out his air guitar on the dance-floor.
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