From Grave Diggers to Rock Stars: The jobs of famous musicians before fame

Musicians often seem to burst onto the scene, captivating audiences with their talent. Yet, before they reached stardom, many famous artists held everyday jobs that shaped their lives and careers. We explore the surprising and often overlooked employment stories of musicians before their fame.

Rod Stewart: The Grave Digger

Before he became a rock legend, Rod Stewart worked as a grave digger. This experience not only offered him a unique perspective on life and death, but it also informed the themes prevalent in his music. While digging graves, Stewart faced the reality of mortality, which likely deepened the lyrical complexity found in songs like "Maggie May" and "Tonight's the Night." It's fascinating to think that such a transformative experience came from this hard-hitting job.

Pink: The McDonald's Employee

Let's get this party started! Before captivating audiences with her powerful voice and bold style, Pink worked at McDonald's.

David Bowie: The Butcher Delivery Boy

David Bowie, one of the most iconic musicians in history, once worked as a butcher's delivery boy in order to buy a saxophone. His job involved carrying meat across London, a world away from the theatrical Ziggy Stardust persona that he later embodied.

Madonna: The Dunkin’ Donuts Employee

Long before becoming known as the "Queen of Pop," Madonna worked at Dunkin' Donuts. Ironically, she got fired on her first day for causing a mess while trying to make food. This humorous failure didn’t deter her; instead, it fueled her fierce ambition and unapologetic approach to success.

Bill Withers: The Truck Driver

Before he penned timeless hits like "Lean on Me," Bill Withers worked as a truck driver. This job allowed him to explore the backroads of America, collecting stories that would inspire his heartfelt songwriting. Withers once said, “Every time I get in my truck, I write a song,” highlighting how his real-life experiences shaped his lyrics.

Sting: The Teacher

Before making waves as the lead singer of The Police, Sting worked as a school teacher. This role not only provided him financial stability but also nurtured his love for storytelling.

Elvis Presley: The Dog Kennel Worker

Hound Dog, Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," worked in a dog kennel before achieving global fame.

Bon Jovi: The Record Studio Janitor

Jon Bon Jovi spent his early years working as a janitor and cleaner at his cousin's record studio, Power Station in Manhattan.

Axl Rose: The Paid Smoker

In an unusual twist, Axl Rose took part in a scientific experiment that paid him to smoke cigarettes.

Kim Wilde: The Hospital Cleaner

Before her hit "Kids in America," Kim Wilde worked as a hospital cleaner.

Cher: The Department Store Receptionist

Cher, often referred to as the "Goddess of Pop," began her career as a department store receptionist. She also worked in a candy store.

T'Pau's Carol Decker: The Lifeguard

Before gaining fame with her hit song "China in Your Hand," Carol Decker worked as a lifeguard.

Noel Gallagher: The Roadie

Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame started as a roadie for the band Inspiral Carpets. This experience gave him an inside look at the music industry and the touring lifestyle.

Emma Bunton: The Child Model

Emma Bunton, known as Baby Spice, began her journey as a child model, famously appearing on a Persil washing powder box.