Article written by Roger Casadejús Pérez
2. Ozzy Osbourne – Slaughterhouse Worker
Before becoming the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne worked in a slaughterhouse in Birmingham, England. This gritty job exposed him to the harsh realities of life, which later permeated through Black Sabbath’s music and contributed to the dark themes they explored.
3. Gene Simmons – Elementary School Teacher
Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and co-lead singer of KISS, once taught sixth grade in Harlem, New York. His teaching days were short-lived, but they taught him essential skills in communication and presentation, which he later used to captivate audiences worldwide.
4. Alice Cooper – Used Car Salesman
Alice Cooper, known for his theatrical performances and shock rock image, sold used cars before his music career took off. This job honed his salesmanship skills, which became instrumental in marketing his band’s outlandish persona.
5. Dee Snider – Department Store Clerk
Dee Snider, the lead singer of Twisted Sister, worked as a clerk in a department store. This job allowed him to save money for his musical equipment while observing consumer behavior, which later helped him understand his audience.
6. Bruce Dickinson – Airline Pilot
Before soaring to fame with Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson flew airplanes for a living. His career as a commercial pilot not only provided him with income but also instilled a discipline and precision that he brought to his music career.
7. James Hetfield – Factory Worker
The Metallica frontman worked in a factory assembling parts for industrial equipment. This hands-on job fostered a strong work ethic in Hetfield, which later translated into his relentless pursuit of musical perfection.
8. Lemmy Kilmister – Roadie
Lemmy, the legendary frontman of Motörhead, worked as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix. This job offered him first-hand experience in the music industry and inspired him to create his own path in the rock and roll world.
9. Maynard James Keenan – Pet Store Employee
Before becoming the enigmatic lead singer of Tool, Maynard James Keenan worked in a pet store. This job allowed him to observe various personalities, a skill he later translated into his dynamic stage presence.
10. Mick Jagger – Hospital Porter
Mick Jagger, the charismatic frontman of The Rolling Stones, worked as a porter in a psychiatric hospital. This experience exposed him to a wide range of human emotions and stories, which later influenced his lyrical contributions to the band.
11. Dave Mustaine – Paperboy
Before founding Megadeth, Dave Mustaine delivered newspapers in the mornings. This job taught him the discipline of early hours and consistency, which he later applied to his rigorous practice sessions.
12. Ronnie James Dio – Pharmacist Assistant
Ronnie James Dio, renowned for his powerful vocals, worked as an assistant in a pharmacy. This job required attention to detail and customer interaction, skills that Dio later utilized in his music career.
13. Lars Ulrich – Tennis Player
Before becoming the drummer for Metallica, Lars Ulrich aspired to be a professional tennis player. His competitive nature and discipline from sports translated well into the demanding world of rock music.
14. Slash – Comic Book Store Clerk
Slash, the iconic guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, worked in a comic book store. This job not only indulged his passion for comics but also allowed him to meet like-minded individuals who later became part of his musical journey.
15. Freddie Mercury – Baggage Handler
Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen, worked at Heathrow Airport as a baggage handler. This job exposed him to different cultures and people, enriching his creative outlook, which was evident in Queen’s diverse musical style.
16. Rob Halford – Theater Usher
Before achieving fame with Judas Priest, Rob Halford worked as a theater usher. This job gave him a taste of the entertainment world and the opportunity to study performances, which influenced his stagecraft.
17. David Lee Roth – Hospital Orderly
David Lee Roth, the flamboyant frontman of Van Halen, worked as an orderly in a hospital. This job required him to be adaptable and responsive, traits he later used to energize and connect with audiences.
18. Nikki Sixx – Liquor Store Clerk
Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe once worked at a liquor store. The job paid the bills and gave him insight into human behavior, which later inspired his songwriting about the darker sides of life.
19. Phil Anselmo – Construction Worker
Before fronting Pantera, Phil Anselmo worked in construction. This physically demanding job helped build his stamina and resilience, key traits for his energetic performances.
20. Eddie Vedder – Gas Station Attendant
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam worked at a gas station. This job provided him with the solitude to reflect and write music, laying the foundation for his future career.
21. Tom Araya – Respiratory Therapist
Tom Araya, the frontman of Slayer, was a certified respiratory therapist. This job required critical thinking and precision, which he later applied to his music and performances.
22. Axl Rose – Nightclub Bouncer
Before leading Guns N’ Roses, Axl Rose worked as a bouncer in Los Angeles nightclubs. This job taught him about the nightlife scene and the importance of standing one’s ground, traits evident in his commanding stage presence.
23. Steven Tyler – Fast Food Worker
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith worked in a fast-food restaurant. This job exposed him to the challenges of customer service and the importance of perseverance, which fueled his drive to succeed in music.
24. Chris Cornell – Fish Handler
Before fronting Soundgarden and Audioslave, Chris Cornell worked in a seafood wholesaler. This job instilled a strong work ethic and an appreciation for hard labor, traits that he carried into his music career.
25. Corey Taylor – Adult Store Employee
Corey Taylor, the lead singer of Slipknot and Stone Sour, worked in an adult store. This unconventional job exposed him to diverse perspectives and the underbelly of society, themes that often appear in his lyrics.
26. Iggy Pop – Dishwasher
Iggy Pop, known as the “Godfather of Punk,” worked as a dishwasher in a diner. This job allowed him to save money for music equipment and taught him the value of hard work, a principle he applied throughout his career.
Conclusion
These early jobs, though seemingly unrelated to their musical careers, provided these musicians with invaluable skills and experiences that shaped their future paths. The discipline, work ethic, and unique perspectives gained from these roles contributed to their artistic development and eventual success in the rock and metal world.