For rock musicians, making it in the industry is the ultimate dream. They want their name to be known and their music world-renowned. However, for some, their passions and interests change once they’ve achieved this. This was the case for these eight musicians, who belonged to bands that are still loved today, even though decades have come and gone since their heyday.
1. Jack Black (Tenacious D) – Acting
Comedian and actor Jack Black is widely known for his on-screen performances, ranging from the animated Kung Fu Panda series and comedic Nacho Libre to the heartwarming The Holiday. But what many may not know about Black is that he’s a member of the comedic rock band Tenacious D and a talented musician. His skills were hinted at in School of Rock, but through Tenacious D, his musical prowess and ever-present goofy persona truly shine. The band formed in 1994, when Black was in his twenties and his acting career was already well underway.
2. Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins) – Pro-Wrestling Promoter
As the lead guitarist and singer-songwriter for The Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan found great success in the music industry. While making music and touring with his bandmates, Corgan had another passion he kept up with: pro-wrestling. Following the success of the band, Corgan was able to pursue his wrestling passion in new ways, turning it into a second career. Corgan became an owner and promoter of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and has a TV series following this new venture while balancing family life.
3. Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) – Politics
Krist Novoselic founded Nirvana alongside Kurt Cobain. For the duration of the band’s existence, he was the bassist, playing a pivotal role in creating the band’s biggest hits like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Come as You Are,” and “In Bloom.” During this time, Novoselic was an activist, fighting against bills that aimed to censor free speech, music, and other media. Following the band’s breakup, he pursued this activism by starting a career in politics. He’s an active member of the Wahkiakum County Democrats, his local Democratic Party.
4. Terry Chimes (The Clash) – Medicine
Terry Chimes took on a surprising second career after being the drummer for The Clash. After 15 years with the band and life on the road, Chimes felt music was no longer the right fit for him. Before his music career, he had considered attending medical school, so when he reevaluated his music career, becoming a chiropractor felt like the better fit—and one that was inspired by his time in music. While bowling with Black Sabbath, Chimes injured his shoulder and turned to a chiropractor for help. He was impressed with the process and results. He went on to open his own chiropractic practice in 1994 and has treated many musicians and fans alike since.
5. Roger Daltrey (The Who) – Fishing
The cofounder and lead singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey, turned to a very different lifestyle after finding success with the band, one involving fishing. He built the Lakedown Trout Fishery in 1981, creating a place where anglers can enjoy a scenic fishing experience, a drink at the site’s taproom, and, of course, fresh fish. The fishery has been his passion project since, though he never fully retired from performing; he continued to step out on stage with his band. In 2025, Daltrey and the rest of The Who will be on a farewell tour, making it likely that the fishery will now be Daltrey’s primary focus.
6. Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses) – Investing
Guns N’ Roses bass player Duff McKagan had a serious health scare during the band’s early success. He suffered from alcohol-induced pancreatitis, which served as a serious wake-up call about his rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. It shifted his perspective dramatically, leading to him taking stock of his life—including his and the band’s financial situation. He committed himself to studying finance and investing, determined that his sudden financial windfall from his music career would turn into lifelong financial security. He took business courses and became a savvy financial investor, securing his future and revealing a second passion.
7. Maynard James Keenan (Tool) – Farming & Winemaking
While Tool has only released a handful of albums since forming in 1990, the band developed a loyal following that led frontman Maynard James Keenan and the rest of the band to rock’n’roll success—and with it, financial success. Keenan used the finances that his rock career afforded him to fund his other passions in life, rooted in sustainable living. He invested in an Arizona ranch where he grows fresh produce and makes wine, focusing on developing community and sustainability.
8. Brian May (Queen) – Astrophysics
The massive success of the band Queen is a major accomplishment in its own right, but for the band’s lead guitarist and occasional vocalist, Brian May, it’s just one of many impressive feats. Alongside his successful music career, May pursued a career as an astrophysicist. Like his musical career, his astrophysics career is just as notable. May helped NASA with its missions, including helping it land on an asteroid, showing that May has a unique combination of skills. He began his education for his PhD in the field in the 1970s but took time away to pursue music and returned to complete his studies in 2007.
Final Thoughts
These eight musicians have set out on incredibly unique paths and have had impressive impacts in the music industry and in their second career pursuits. But they also highlight how, like the rest of us ordinary individuals, starting a business, launching a blog, or even promoting something niche like Casinos.com bonuses to find new income streams based on our passions is a common tendency. It’s an opportunity to fulfill another side of ourselves and, hopefully, find more success and meaning in life.
