Crazy Warmup Habits Of Legendary Rockstars

 When I'm covering music events for the media. I usually try to visit the bands and musicians backstage before their performances. To pick up on their vibes for their show, to take a picture or two, and to talk to them to see what's been going on in their lives. I've even worked in an interview or two over the years. But what I find most fascinating is what these amazing music artists do before they hit the stage.

For my blog today. I thought it would be interesting to find out what some legendary rockstar's pre-show warmup habits are. Here are some warmup habits that some of the biggest names in rock are rumored to practice or have practiced at once in their careers.

It’s said that Ozzy Osbourne would sometimes take his eccentricities to the next level, biting the heads off bats and other creatures, though these moments were more shocking stunts than actual warm-up routines. Still, the image of Ozzy pre-show is often tied to his outrageous stage presence. What do you think Ozzy did before hitting the stage? Your guess is as good as mine!

David Lee Roth incorporated martial arts into his warmup routine. A trained martial artist, Roth would practice high kicks, splits, and acrobatic moves before a show, preparing for the physicality of his stage performances.

Keith Richards was known for always having a cigarette in hand, and this extended into his pre-show routine. Instead of a traditional warm-up, Richards would relax with a cigarette and a drink, believing that calming his nerves in this way was all he needed before hitting the stage.

Steven Tyler has a unique method of warming up his iconic voice. He’s known to drink throat-soothing tea with honey, but he also does a lot of loud vocal exercises and screams to get his voice ready. His vocal warmups would be loud and intense, matching the energy of his live shows.

James Hetfield takes an aggressive approach to his pre-show warmups. Hetfield is said to engage in boxing to get his blood pumping before heading out on stage. His physical warmups are matched by intense vocal exercises, preparing him for the raw, aggressive sound that Metallica is known for.

Mick Jagger prepares for shows by going through a combination of vocal warm-ups and dance routines. Jagger takes to the treadmill before every show for a 30-minute run. Can you say, "In Shape Rockstar"?

Jimi Hendrix had a calm and focused pre-show routine. He would often sit alone with his guitar, playing softly and experimenting with new riffs. It was almost a meditative process, allowing him to center himself before the wild creativity he unleashed on stage.

Roger Daltrey is famous for his signature microphone-twirling move. As part of his warmup, he would practice this on stage before shows, getting the rhythm and movement right to avoid mishaps during the performance.

Kurt Cobain was known for his introverted personality and preferred to spend time alone before shows, often isolating himself in a quiet room to mentally prepare. He wasn’t one for elaborate routines; rather, he valued his solitude, getting into a contemplative mindset before exploding on stage.

Axel Rose is notorious for his late starts at shows, but before hitting the stage, he would spend time alone doing extensive vocal exercises to prepare for the high notes and growls in songs like Sweet Child O’ Mine and Welcome to the Jungle.

These warmup routines are as legendary as the artists themselves, showcasing the unique methods rockstars use to channel their creative energy before performing onstage.

GE