Ongoing History of New Music

The Ongoing History of New Music, episode 919: Hobbies and non-musical passions of rock stars

What do you do for fun? I’m talking about hobbies, pastimes, and other things you do just for you, away from your job and all your other responsibilities?

I’ve got my dogs. The Wife and I love to travel. And I’ve always had this thing about the JFK assassination. I’ve read all the books, seen all the documentaries and even been to Dallas for a visit to the book depository, the grassy knoll, and even the Texas Theatre. I can’t explain it. It just find it interesting.

Maybe you’re into sports. Collecting hockey cards or wine or rare scotches. What about video games, Japanese anime, Beanie Babies, souvenir spoons? No need to justify anything. It’s just something you enjoy. Hobbies somehow fulfill us.

Now consider his: When we think of our favourite musicians, we probably imagine them being immersed in music all the time. I mean, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All they do is think about and make music.

The truth is, though, you can’t do that. No one can. Everyone needs a break from whatever it is they do. The brain needs to rest and recharge. You need to search for things that offer new inspiration. Musicians put down the instruments to see what else is out there in order to become a more rounded person. That’s one aspect.

Another goes like this. “Look. I’ve had some success in my career. I’ve made some money and I’m going to enjoy the fruits of my labour. I’m going to indulge in things that I’ve always dreamed of. I can’t take it with me, so I’m gonna spend some of this cash!”

All right, so like what? I think you may be surprised. Let’s take a look at the hobbies and non-musical passions of some very famous musicians.

Songs heard on this show:

  • Smashing Pumpkins, Cherub Rock
  • Offspring, Hit That
  • Blur, Country House
  • Blur, Far Out
  • RHCP, By the Way
  • Tool, The Pt
  • New Order, Round and Round
  • Metallica, Enter Sandman

As usual, here’s Eric Wilhite with a playlist.

The Ongoing History of New Music can be heard on the following stations:

We’re still looking for more affiliates in Calgary, Kamloops, Kelowna, Regina, Saskatoon, Brandon, Windsor,  Montreal, Halifax, Charlottetown, Moncton, Fredericton, and St John’s and anywhere else with a transmitter. If you’re in any of those markets and you want the show, lemme know and I’ll see what I can do.

If you ever miss a show, you can always get the podcast edition available through Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your on-demand audio.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39671 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “The Ongoing History of New Music, episode 919: Hobbies and non-musical passions of rock stars

  • I’m sorta surprised you didn’t mention Dan Spitz.
    He went from Anthrax guitarist to swiss watch maker 😀

    Reply

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