Rock and roll’s a wild ride, man. We’ve all seen the iconic images: leather-clad rebels with gravity-defying hair, belting out anthems of rebellion. We build them up as immortal, these rock gods who defy the aging process. But then, reality sets in.
Because let’s face it, ripped abs and pyrotechnics don’t exactly translate seamlessly into rocking a grandpa sweater at the retirement home. This list dives into 20 rock legends who, well, maybe took a few too many wrong turns on the highway to rock history.
From questionable fashion choices to lyrics that just don’t hit the same after 50, get ready for a glimpse into the sometimes hilarious, sometimes cringe-worthy world of rockers who aged…differently.
20. James Hetfield
Metallica’s James Hetfield is a case of aging with a metal twist. His early 80s self, all lean and long-haired, would be hard to recognize next to the seasoned musician he’s become. Today, Hetfield rocks a shorter, white mane, a thicker build, and a beard that changes his entire look.
Even his voice has morphed – the high-pitched rasp of early demos like “Hit the Lights” has given way to the now-iconic growl that defines Metallica’s sound. This transformation reflects not just physical changes, but artistic growth. Hetfield found his true voice early, a voice that continues to resonate through the halls of metal history.
19. Axl Rose
Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose’s dramatic weight gain after the band’s hiatus became internet fodder. The “Fat Axl” meme ballooned faster than his waistline. Axl’s team attempted to scrub the image from search engines, a classic (and often futile) celebrity move.
Known for his fiery persona, Axl wasn’t one to back down. He famously challenged critics to fistfights, including Spin Magazine‘s publisher. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed when Axl learned of his opponent’s training background.
16. Carnie Wilson
Carnie Wilson blazed a trail for online medical events when she live-streamed her gastric bypass surgery in 1993. With a then-unheard-of 2.5 million viewers, Wilson even crashed the internet! Prioritizing health over appearance, she shed 150 pounds and credits the surgery with saving her life.
Her journey included a nude Playboy spread in 2003 and open discussions on talk shows. While a Bell’s Palsy diagnosis and weight regain after childbirth presented challenges, Carnie’s working with trainer Diamond Dallas Page to reclaim her fitness goals, aiming to recapture that Playboy physique.
17. Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett seemed poised for superstardom in the late disco era. A child star since five, he landed a breakout role in Three for the Road and became a teen idol. Unbeknownst to fans, however, Garrett battled drug addiction from age 14.
In a tragic accident just before turning 18, he crashed his mother’s Porsche while high on quaaludes and cocaine, leaving his passenger paralyzed. This marked the start of a long struggle. Over the next 30 years, Garrett faced repeated arrests for drugs and alcohol. He finally hit rock bottom in 2010, pleading no contest to heroin possession and entering court-ordered rehab.
16. Keith Richards
Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones’ iconic guitarist, embodies the rock and roll lifestyle, for better or worse. His transformation is a stark reminder of the genre’s excesses. While once a youthful figure with clear skin and a full head of hair, decades on the road have left their mark.
Deep wrinkles, sunken eyes, and a receding hairline are a far cry from his mop-topped early days. It’s not just Father Time – bandmate Mick Jagger maintained a youthful appearance well into the 80s, while Richards, by 40, looked considerably older than his years.
15. C.C. DeVille
C.C. Deville’s flashy persona, with his platinum blonde hair and undeniable guitar talent, made him a perfect match for the glam rock band Poison. He even beat out guitar legend Slash for the coveted spot. However, his unorthodox audition (where he improvised instead of playing the tracks) hinted at the tumultuous relationship he’d have with frontman Brett Michaels.
Deville’s wild lifestyle, fueled by the band’s infamous after-parties, led to a downward spiral. He struggled with substance abuse, which strained his already rocky bond with Michaels. Their partnership ultimately crashed and burned with a disastrous performance at the MTV Music Awards, followed by a fistfight.
14. Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler, Aerosmith’s flamboyant frontman, was known for his electrifying performances fueled by an infamously excessive lifestyle. His rock and roll highs came at a cost, with his heavy drug use (reportedly exceeding $20 million) leading to numerous foot surgeries due to Morton’s neuroma.
Despite his personal struggles, Tyler’s undeniable talent helped propel Aerosmith to superstardom. By the late 1960s, he joined forces with guitarist Joe Perry and other musicians, solidifying the band’s core line-up. Their self-titled debut arrived in 1973, but it was the later albums Toys in the Attic and Rocks that truly cemented their place as rock legends.
13. Vince Neil
Vince Neil, the fiery lead singer of Motley Crue, wouldn’t be the first person you’d call a “pretty boy”. However, his striking looks even fooled Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, inspiring the hit song “Dude Looks Like a Lady” after a chance encounter. Vince’s wild lifestyle included well-publicized battles with alcohol in his younger years. Today, social media reveals ongoing struggles with weight and health issues.
Despite his undeniable star power, Vince’s vocals have always been a point of contention. Recent performances have drawn criticism for a lack of energy, with a 2021 incident even seeing him walk off stage mid-concert.
12. Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne’s image is as iconic as his music. In his early days with Black Sabbath, he was a world away from the Prince of Darkness persona. Back then, he sported a laid-back, hippie vibe with flowing brown hair, minimal makeup, and earthy clothing.
Over the years, Ozzy’s look morphed to reflect his heavy metal legacy. Now, a sea of cool tattoos adorns his skin, black apparel is his go-to, and heavy eyeliner adds to his signature spooky persona. Time itself has even played a role, etching lines on his face that only enhance his onstage image as a harbinger of darkness. Recent health struggles, including a broken neck and blood clots, have only added a layer of rugged authenticity to his rockstar image.
11. Blackie Lawless
In the 1980s, W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless became a symbol of defiance against censorship. His band was a lightning rod for Tipper Gore’s PMRC, attracting criticism for their raw lyrics and theatrical live shows. Songs like “Wild Child” and “Sex Drive” pushed boundaries, and Lawless refused to back down, even with parental advisory warnings slapped on their albums.
Those controversial years cemented W.A.S.P.’s place in heavy metal history. Today, Lawless and the band continue to tour, albeit with a less provocative edge. Perhaps with Tipper Gore no longer leading the charge, a friendly exchange – a phone call or even a text – isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility.
10. Rod Stewart
Sir Rod Stewart, a legendary rocker with a reputation as a ladies’ man, has had a life full of love, music, and resilience. Known for his preference for blondes and rockstar lifestyle, his ex-wives include a Bond girl and a supermodel. He’s fathered eight children with five different partners, famously declaring he’d rather give away a house than get married again.
However, time and health challenges have left their mark. Stewart battled thyroid cancer in 2000, forcing him to relearn singing after surgery. He faced prostate cancer in 2017 as well. Despite these setbacks, he continues to record and perform, even making headlines in a bizarre 2019 incident where he was accused of punching a security guard in Florida.
9. Ann Wilson
Heart’s iconic vocalist, Ann Wilson, has openly discussed her struggles with weight and body image. Bullied as a child, the pressure only intensified during the band’s 80s comeback. Record executives fixated on her weight, and music videos often sidelined her in favor of her sister Nancy. Feeling like her appearance overshadowed her talent, Anne battled panic attacks and turned to alcohol and cocaine for years.
However, Ann’s story is one of resilience. In 2002, she underwent gastric band surgery to manage her weight and took control of her health. More importantly, she achieved sobriety in 2009 and continues to inspire fans with her powerful vocals and newfound peace.
8. Michael Stipe
Michael Stipe, the enigmatic frontman of R.E.M., has always brought a sense of evolution to his image. In the band’s early days, he was known for his signature look – long, cascading dark curls that framed his face. However, time brought a natural change. By the late 80s, his hair began to recede, and by the 90s, he was fully bald.
Fast forward to his post-R.E.M. life, and Stipe has completely reinvented himself. He now sports a striking white beard that complements his shaved head and a bold nose ring. This dramatic transformation has sparked playful comparisons to Santa Claus, Bill Murray, and even an elf, further solidifying his commitment to defying expectations and embracing alternative style.
7. Anthony Kiedis
Anthony Kiedis, the frontman for Red Hot Chili Peppers, has been open about his fight with addiction. Exposed to drugs by his father at just 12, Kiedis battled with substances like marijuana and cocaine for years. This ultimately led to him being kicked out of the band and a cycle of relapses. Thankfully, he achieved sobriety in 2000.
Kiedis credits overcoming addiction as a turning point for his creativity. Songs like “Under the Bridge” directly reflect his struggles. His autobiography, Scar Tissue, delves deeper, detailing the impact on his family. His father, Blackie Dammett, succumbed to his own drug use, leaving a lasting scar on the young Anthony.
6. Patti Smith
Patti Smith, the undisputed queen of punk poetry, cemented her place in music history with a 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Her influence stretches far and wide, inspiring icons like Michael Stipe and Bono. A champion of artistic freedom, Smith has always embraced pushing creative boundaries.
However, the digital age has brought new challenges. In 2018, she became a target for online impersonation. Undeterred, Smith continues to write and perform, although at a slightly slower pace since the COVID-19 pandemic. The quarantine has even introduced her to the joys of PBS’s Masterpiece Theater.
5. Joe Elliott
Time may have traded Joe Elliott’s mullet for wrinkles, but the Def Leppard frontman shows no signs of slowing down. Decades after conquering the US with British heavy metal, Elliott remains a driving force. He balances his legendary work ethic with his role as a music producer, pushing boundaries beyond the band.
This dedication wasn’t always the case. At Def Leppard’s peak, Elliott recognized the need for change. He famously quit drinking, likening himself to an athlete laser-focused on global domination. Hits like “Adrenaline” and “Let’s Get Rocked” cemented their legacy, and now, they’re gearing up to share the stage with Motley Crue on a massive arena tour.
4. Dexter Holland
Dexter Holland, frontman for The Offspring, has become synonymous with his signature spiky blonde hair. However, his journey to this iconic look wasn’t always smooth sailing. Before fame, Holland experimented with a unique style – chest-length dreadlocks. Unfortunately, his thin hair wasn’t ideal for the style, leading to an unflattering, “wet hair” appearance.
A haircut and the adoption of the now-legendary spikes marked a turning point. The band’s sales did fluctuate following the change, but the spiky look undeniably became Holland’s trademark. It’s even immortalized on the bottles of his hot sauce brand, Gringo Bandito, solidifying this style as a cornerstone of Holland’s image.
3. John Lydon
John Lydon, the iconic frontman of the Sex Pistols, earned his stage name “Johnny Rotten” the hard way – from his notoriously bad teeth that had turned green in the mid-70s. While his dental hygiene may have improved (thanks to a hefty 22,000-euro procedure in 2008!), Lydon’s rebellious spirit hasn’t wavered.
Currently, he’s locked in a legal battle with former bandmates over a new Sex Pistols documentary, Pistol, which he believes misrepresents the band’s legacy. Despite packing on some pounds over the years, Lydon remains a true punk icon, proving that true rebellion can transcend age and even dental hygiene.
2. Grace Slick
By 1984, Jefferson Starship was a band in flux. Original members dwindled, leaving only Grace Slick and Paul Kantner. Artistic disagreements led to Kantner’s departure, prompting the group to rebrand as simply Starship. This shift ushered in a new era of commercial success, with their music videos dominating the airwaves. However, critical reception remained mixed, with some fans feeling alienated by the band’s embrace of a more pop-oriented sound.
Meanwhile, the pressures of touring and recording took their toll on Grace Slick. Disillusioned with the music industry, she announced her retirement in 1998, famously stating on VH1 that aging rockers should bow out gracefully. Her departure marked the end of an era for Starship, leaving behind a legacy of both creative evolution and a divided fan base.
1. Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi’s rise to fame in the 80s was marked by sold-out shows where fan adoration often drowned out his vocals. Today, the soon-to-be 60-year-old heartthrob has transitioned to a distinguished silver-haired look. Unlike many rock stars, Bon Jovi opted for a quieter life. Married to his high school sweetheart since 1989 with four children, he steers clear of excessive partying and focuses on his family and philanthropic endeavors.
This dedication to stability may lack the wild drama some associate with rock and roll legends. However, his clean living has arguably contributed to his long-lasting career and success. Bon Jovi’s commitment to family and activism is a testament to his character, even if it doesn’t quite match the outlandish stories of other rock icons.