Legendary Musicians and Their Odd Hobbies

Everyone needs hobbies. They allow us to take a step back from our daily lives and reconnect with our interests. Even musicians have their set of hobbies. Find out what four legendary artists did with their free time, below.

Legendary Musicians and Their Odd Hobbies

1. David Bowie’s artistic pursuits

David Bowie was focused on many artistic pursuits. On top of being a renowned musician, he was also an avid painter. Influenced by German Expressionism, Bowie created many surreal artworks. Like his music, his paintings seemed to be beamed in from some other planet. His portraits had a dark quality that had a visceral feel to them. Check out a collection of his work, HERE.

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2. Michael Jackson the….motorcycle mechanic?

While Bowie was furthering his artistic repertoire, Michael Jackson’s hobby was worlds away from his day job. While he spent much of his life on stage, his free time was taken up by maintaining his collection of vintage cars and motorcycles. He was even known to tinker with them from time to time. Sometimes a break from your typical schedule is helpful. What a better way for the King of Pop to unwind than toiling over a broken motorbike?

[RELATED: The Story Behind How Quincy Jones Nearly Cut “Billie Jean” From Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’]

3. All Aboard Rod Stewart’s model train

While model railroading might not seem like the hobby a music legend would choose, Rod Stewart certainly loves it. In fact, he’s found a way to make it far more epic than one would think. “I would say 90% of it I built myself,” Stewart once said. “The only thing I wasn’t very good at and still am not is the electricals, so I had someone else do that.” Find a picture of his extensive model railway, HERE. You’ll never think of model railroading the same way again.

[RELATED: As Rod Stewart Prepares to End His Las Vegas Residency, He Announces a New One Will Launch in 2025]

4. Mick Jagger’s plié

Mick Jagger has always been known for his unique movements on stage, but did you know he had an interest in ballet? We’re not saying that the practice influenced his stage presence, but it probably didn’t hurt. “I train five or six days a week,” Jagger once said of his fitness routine, which included ballet. “I alternate between gym work and dancing, then I do sprints, things like that. I’m training for stamina.”

[RELATED: Forever Timeless: Remember Mick Jagger’s Perfect Response to Doubts He Could Perform Into His 60s]

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)