10 Artists with Distinct Side Projects

Rock and metal musicians, who are typically seen as legendary individuals, often turn their enthusiasm into a succesful profession. However, success might be short-lived because the music industry is famously erratic. A good illustration of how quickly things may change is the sharp fall in popularity of hair metal bands following the emergence of grunge in the early 1990s. Many musicians develop other skills or seek backup employment outside of music as a result of this uncertainty. Additionally, the wealth and recognition that come with success might provide artists the chance to pursue interests they might not have otherwise. The 10 rock and metal musicians who have pursued unusual jobs outside of music are examined here.

1. Eric Stefani: From Animation to Rock

Eric Stefani is most known for being the older brother of pop sensation Gwen Stefani and a co-founder of the band No Doubt. When No Doubt was formed in 1986, he was instrumental in forming the band's sound and image. But in 1994, his path took a surprising turn when he quit the band soon after Tragic Kingdom, their breakout album, was finished.

Given that No Doubt was about to acheive widespread popularity, many fans were taken aback by Eric's departure. However, Eric intended to devote himself full-time to his long-standing love of animation. He joined the crew of The Simpsons, one of the most adored animated series in television history, in 1989, marking the beginning of his animation career. Eric actually contributed to the first episode's creation.

In 1994, Eric rejoined The Simpsons after leaving the band. His work on other classic series, such Rugrats and Ren and Stimpy, was added to his portfolio. He even helped with the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids cartoon scene.

Although his decision to leave a popular band may have seemed risky to some, Eric's animation career has been just as fulfilling. In spite of his professional change, he has frequently been seen supporting his sister nad the band at No Doubt performances, demonstrating a close family tie.

2. Vanilla Ice: The Surprising Businessperson

Born Robert Van Winkle, Vanilla Ice made his musical debut in the early 1990s with the popular song "Ice Ice Baby." He went on to become a cultural icon, embodying the hip-hop movement and gaining enormous renown. But his popularity declined as fashions changed, resulting in substance misuse issues and a sharp decline in his reputation.

Vanilla Ice looked for fresh opportunities after realizing that his music career was deteriorating. He loved motorsports, especially jet-ski racing, before he became famous. In 1995, he demonstrated his skill in a sport that had long enthralled him by rising to the sixth-ranked jet-ski racer in the world.

At the same time, Vanilla Ice entered the real estate market and found a talent for purchasing and reselling houses. Due too the success success of his real estate ventures, he developed a television show called The Vanilla Ice Project, which ran for nine seasons on teh DIY Network between 2010 and 2019. In addition to showcasing his changes, the show offered helpful tips for house remodeling.

Along with his popularity on television, Vanilla Ice wrote real estate books that offered advice on purchasing, remodeling, and selling homes. His transformation from hip-hop artist to prosperous businessman serves as an example of the value of flexibility and creativity.

3. Stevo-32: Transitioning from Drummer to Realtor

As the drummer for the punk rock group Sum 41, Stevo-32 has seen both the highs and lows of the music business. HE was instrumental in teh band's success during the 2000s emo boom, traveling extensively and releasing multiple platinum records. But he suffered from burnout after years of nonstop touring.

Stevo-32 made the decision to leave the band in order to spend more time with his family after years of performing up to 300 performances annually. Fans who connected him to the active lifestyle of a touring musician were taken aback by the change.

After leaving, Stevo-32 discovered a new career path in real estate. He enthusiastically took on this new profession and became a prosperous real estate agent very fast. His background in the music business gave him the networking and marketing abilities he needed to succeed in this new environment.

In order to showcase his drumming prowess and give fans a nostalgic look back at his career, Stevo-32 has started a YouTube channel to share anecdotes from his time with Sum 41. His transition from drummer to to real estate agent exemplifies the variety of careers that artists might pursue following their initial success.

4. Dan Spitz: A Superb Watchmaker

The iconic thrash metal band Anthrax's guitarist, Dan Spitz, abruptly changed careers in 1995 by leaving the band to pursue a career in watchmaking. Anthrax, who are well-known for their innovative work with Public Enemy on the song "Bring the Noise," have had a big influence on the music business. But Spitz had a lifetime interest in horology and wanted to learn more about it.

Spitz spent time at his grandfather's antique jewelery store as a child, which sparked his interest in watches. He developed an enduring passion with watches as a result of this early contact. He made the decision to return to this interest and pursue a career in watchmaking after leaving Anthrax.

Spitz became a reputable watchmaker after studying horology and earning several degrees in the industry. Because of his skill, he is now regarded as one of the world's leading horologists and is known for making beautiful watches. CUstomers frequently have to wait two years for one of his creations, and some of his watches may cost up to $128,000.

Spitz's transformation from heavy metal guitarist to expert watchmaker is a prime example of the variety of passions and skills that musicians can have, which frequently result in successful non-musical careers.

5. Tom DeLonge: The Supporter of UFOs

The pop-punk band Blink-182's co-frontman, Tom DeLonge, has long been recognized for his eccentric nature and unusual passions. Even though the band was well-known for its upbeat songs and lighthearted lyrics, DeLonge stood out from his contemporaries due to his interest in alien life.

DeLonge started his business, To The Stars*, and formed a new band, Angels and Airwaves, in 2014. The company quickly changed its focus from entertainment to serious research into UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Because of his enthusiasm for the topic, DeLonge was able to draw in scientists and former government officials to work with him on a number of projects.

As a reflection of its serious aim to research and interact with the U.S. government on UFO occurrences, To The Stars* changed its name to To The Stars Academy of Arts and Sciences (TTSAAS). In 2023, the group received a lot of attention as a congressional subcommittee looked into leaked UFO footage connected to TTSAAS.

DeLonge has a devoted fan base thanks to his dedication to ufology, which is frequently divided between those who value his music and those who respect his contributions to the subject of alien inquiry. His story serves as an example of how musicians may use their notoriety to promote causes close to theyre hearts.

6. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter: From Missile Defense Consultant to Musical Pioneer

Known for his work with the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, Jeff Baxter made a stunning switch from rock music to missile defense consulting. He experimented with many genres over his musical career, but his interest in technology would eventually take him in a different direction.

During his stint in the music business, Baxter developed an interest in military technology and recording equipment. His interest was further piqued by a fortuitous meeting with a retired engineer who had contributed to the Sidewinder missile program. This neighbor encouraged Baxter to start learning about military innovations, especially in the areas of data storage and compression.

When Baxter wrote a thesis on transforming the Navy's anti-aircraft Aegis missile into a missile defense system, his self-education paid dividends. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and other political personalities were drawn to this report, which launched Baxter into the defense consulting industry. The Congressional Advisory Board on missile defense eventually elected him as its chair.

Baxter was able to approach military security from a unique standpoint because of his creative thinking and expertise in the music industry. His journey serves as an example of how musicians can use their talent in completely different contexts and follow unexpected routes.

7. Billy Corgan: Rock and Wrestling

Billy Corgan, the mysterious frontman of the Smashing Pumpkins, is renowned for his unique musical approach and reflective lyrics. But his love of professional wrestling has given his varied career yet another dimension.

Corgan's passion for wrestling began in his early years, when the drama and theatrics of the sport inspired him. He made a daring move in 2017 when he bought the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), a legendary wrestling company. Fans were taken aback by this move, but it demonstrated Corgan's wish to fully immerse himself in a world he had long loved.

Corgan has incorporated wrestling into his music performances since acquiring the NWA, resulting in a distinctive entertainment blend that appeals to followers of both genres. He also developed Adventures in Carnyland, a reality show that chronicles his struggles juggling a wrestling promotion and a music career.

Corgan's ability to combine his two interests shows his inventiveness and openness to trying new things, demonstrating that artists may succeed in a variety of settings.

8. Adam Jones: The Creative Force Behind Tool's Visuals

The guitarist for the progressive metal group Tool, Adam Jones, is renowned for both his musical prowess and his remarkable visual arts training. Jones was well-known in the film industry prior to Tool's formation in 1990.

Jones contributed to classic films including Jurassic Park, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Predator 2 while working in special effects and set design. He was able to produce visually amazing music videos for Tool, which frequently incorporate strange and thought-provoking imagery, thanks to his experience in the film industry.

The visual components of Tool's live performances and music videos are essential to the band's identity. Because of his experience in special effects, Jones is able to create graphics that enhance the band's intricate music and themes, giving audiences an immersive experience. Tool's success has been greatly influenced by his creative vision, which has helped them stand out in the competitive music scene.

Jones's ability to combine visual art with music demonstrates the variety variety of skills that musicians can have, frequently resulting in ground-breaking work across several artistic disciplines.

9. Dickinson, Bruce: The Renaissance Man

The renowned frontman of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, is a polymath. Dickinson has pursued a wide range of interests, such as writing, brewing, and aircraft, whereas many musicians are happy with their positions in the industry.

After taking flying lessons in Florida in 1990, Dickinson developed an interest in aviation. "Aces High," a song by Iron Maiden that honors war pilots, made clear how much he loved flying. Following the acquisition of his pilot's license, Dickinson started operating charter flights for the UK-based airline Astraeus.

After Astraeus shut down in 2010, Dickinson established Cardiff Aviation Aviation Ltd., a firm dedicated to aircraft repair. Throughout his flying career, he has transported a variety of clientele, including athletes like the Rangers and Liverpool Football Clubs as well as members of the Royal Air Force.

Dickinson has written novels, presented a BBC radio show, and worked with Robinson's Brewery to develop a line of specialty brews in addition to his aviation endeavors. He is known as a modern Renaissance man because of his varied career, which shows that musicians may succeed in a variety of non-musical pursuits.

10. Christian Jacobs: Yo Gabba Gabba's Creative Force!

Known for his role as the band The Aquabats' MC Bat Commander on stage, Christian Jacobs has made important contributions to children's media and music. The Aquabats became a cult favorite during the 1990s ska resurgence thanks to their exuberant concerts and eccentric superhero personalities.

Jacobs was instrumental in creating a band that fused music and extravagant theatrical acts while serving as the leader of The Aquabats. Audiences responded favorably to the group's lighthearted and enjoyable style, which helped them achieve widespread recognition and even work with well-known musicians like Travis Barker of Blink-182.

When Jacobs co-created the children's television program Yo Gabba Gabba, his inventiveness went beyond music!which Nickelodeon broadcast. The program catered to both parents and kids with its humorous characters and upbeat themes. Yo Gabba Gabba, including special moments like dancing with Elijah Wood and sketching with Mark Mothersbaugh! became a popular program.

When Jacobs thought back on the production of the show, he said he wanted to create something that parents would want to watch with theyre children. His Yo Gabba Gabba work! demonstrates how artists may use their imagination to leave a lasting impression in a variety of professions.

One of the most contentious personalities in the music business is perhaps Tim Lambesis, vocalist of the metalcore group As I Lay Dying. The band, recognized for its powerful music and themes of faith, found global recognition with their album An Ocean Between Us, which opened at number 8 on the Billboard 200.

Lambesis was arrested in 2013 for trying to hire a hitman to kill his estranged wife, which was a startling turn of events. Fans were somewhat aback by this announcement, particularly considering the band's Christian persona and the issues they explored in their songs. According to the trial, Lambesis had battled substance misuse, which resulted in unpredictable conduct, and he had grown more and more estranged from his family.

As I Lay Dying was put on hold as Lambesis served a six-year prison sentence. The band got back together after he was released, but tensions caused some members to leave. The story of Lambesis serves as a warning about the demands of celebrity and the possible repercussions of personal hardships.

His narrative highlights the intricacies of a musician's life, where obstacles can accompany achievements and cause significant changes in both one's professional and personal lives.

In conclusion

These ten performers' experiences demonstrate the variety of avenues that musicians can pursue outside of the music industry. These people have shown resiliency and inventiveness in the face of life's uncertainties in a variety of fields, from television production and animation to real estate and flying. Their experiences demonstrate that even in the uncertain realm of music, there is always space for development and reinvention, encouraging us to pursue our passions and seize unforeseen possibilities.