Your favorite musicians have found exciting new ways to use their talents. From helping new mothers during childbirth to flying commercial planes, these artists show there’s more to their story than hit songs. Six performers stepped away from music to build different lives and careers that excite them just as much as making music once did. Their new work brings them joy and success, showing how creativity takes many forms.
13. Terry Chimes: Chiropractor
Terry Chimes helped define punk rock’s explosive sound as The Clash’s original drummer. His powerful rhythms drove iconic tracks like “White Riot” and established The Clash’s early sonic foundation. Amid his several departures and returns to the band, Chimes discovered a new calling in healthcare became a chiropractor 1994. You can now find him treating patients at his successful practice, Chimes Chiropractic in Essex.
12. Jim Martin’s Giant Pumpkins
Jim Martin’s distinctive guitar work helped Faith No More create their groundbreaking fusion of metal, funk, and alternative rock. The tall, sunglasses-wearing guitarist brought heaviness and technical skill to albums like “The Real Thing” and “Angel Dust,” earning multiple platinum records. After leaving the band in 1993, Martin channeled his creative energy into competitive pumpkin farming in California. His dedication to agriculture led to him competing in several giant pumpkin competitions.
11. Vanilla Ice: From Rap Star to Renovation Expert
Robert Van Winkle (Vanilla Ice) transformed his entertainment experience into a successful real estate venture. You’ll find him renovating luxury properties on DIY Network’s “The Vanilla Ice Project,” where he applies his creative vision to home transformations. The show has run for multiple seasons, allowing Van Winkle to establish himself as a legitimate voice in home renovation. His renovation portfolio now includes over 100 successfully completed luxury properties.
10. James Willimason, VP
James Williamson revolutionized guitar playing with his raw, aggressive style in The Stooges. His innovative work on “Raw Power” influenced generations of punk and metal guitarists who followed. After The Stooges disbanded, Williamson earned his electrical engineering degree and climbed the corporate ladder at Sony in 1997. His technical expertise led him to become Vice President of Technology Standards, where he helped develop compatibility guidelines for Blu-ray tech.
9. Redfoo: The EDM Star Turned Tennis Player
Stefan Gordy (Redfoo) channeled his athletic drive into competitive tennis after LMFAO’s hiatus. You can spot him training rigorously on professional courts and competing in USTA tournaments across the country. His dedication to mastering tennis techniques and improving his game demonstrates his commitment to athletic excellence. Tennis has given Gordy a new arena to express his competitive spirit.
8. Patrick Foley: Firefighting, As It Were
Patrick Foley drove the rhythms of British pop-punk band As It Is with precision and energy. The drummer’s technical skills and showmanship helped the group build a dedicated following through extensive touring and multiple successful albums. When Foley felt called to public service, he made the bold decision to leave the band. His work as a firefighter now allows him to protect and serve his community while drawing on the teamwork skills he developed as a musician.
7. Bruce Dickinson: Heavy Metal Pilot
Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson soars as both a rockstar and commercial airline captain. You’ll find him piloting Boeing 757s when he’s not commanding stadium stages. His aviation company provides flight training and aircraft maintenance services. Dickinson’s dual careers prove that professional reinvention knows no bounds.
6. David Lee Roth, EMT
David Lee Roth brought unmatched charisma and vocal power to Van Halen during their most commercially successful period. The dynamic frontman’s acrobatic performances and distinctive voice featured on hits like “Jump” and “Panama” helped define 1980s rock. After his time with Van Halen, Roth trained as an Emergency Medical Technician in New York City. His dedication to emergency medicine resulted in him responding to over 200 emergency calls as a paramedic, helping people during their most critical moments.
5. Kevin Jonas: Building a New Future
Kevin Jonas applied his creative talents to custom home construction by co-founding Jonas Werner Fine Custom Homes in 2014. You can see his architectural vision in the company’s early projects, including a 15,000-square-foot luxury home in Morris County, New Jersey. Through the venture, Jonas explored high-end residential construction in his home state, including his own custom-built Montville home, which was listed for $2.25 million. The company, however, filed for bankruptcy around 2018.
4. Alan Donohoe: Programming After The Rakes
Alan Donohoe captured post-punk energy as the lead singer of The Rakes during the mid-2000s British indie rock revival. His sharp lyrics and distinctive vocal style helped the band secure major festival appearances and critical acclaim in the UK music press. Donohoe later discovered a passion for technology and software development. His transition to becoming a programmer in Brighton allowed him to explore new forms of creativity through code.
3. Bill Berry: From Drummer to Farmer
Bill Berry, the drummer of R.E.M., took a significant step back from the music industry to embrace a quieter life as a farmer. After suffering a brain aneurysm, he reevaluated his priorities and decided to leave the band. R.E.M.’s Bill Berry found peace as a hay farmer in Georgia after leaving the band. You’ll find him working his land and managing his livestock with the same dedication he once brought to stadium performances. His farm provides him with the quiet satisfaction of working closely with nature, though he has since returned to working in music.
2. Cindy Birdsong: UCLA Nurse
Cindy Birdsong added her stunning voice to The Supremes during one of the most successful periods in their career. Her harmonies enriched classics like “Someday We’ll Be Together” and helped maintain the group’s signature sound after personnel changes. Following her time with the legendary Motown group, Birdsong pursued her longtime dream of helping others through medicine. Her work as a nurse at UCLA Medical Center allowed her to make a direct impact on patients’ lives.
1. Erykah Badu: The Doula Journey
Erykah Badu supports expectant mothers as a certified doula, a journey she began in 2001. You’ll find her traveling across the country to assist births, starting her practice with her first delivery in Brooklyn. Her comprehensive approach includes building complete support networks for families, and connecting them with OB-GYNs and nutritionists from early pregnancy onward. Her calming presence and dedication have earned her the nickname “Badoula”. Badu extends her caregiving beyond birth support to hospice care, embracing both the beginning and end of life’s journey.
