Rock bands are notorious for their wild antics and outrageous behavior, often leading to legends that seem too bizarre to be true.
Dive into the fantastical world of rock stars with these ten unbelievable myths that have captivated fans and fueled gossip for decades.
1. Ozzy Osbourne Snorted Fire Ants
Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, is infamous for his eccentric antics. One legend that took the rock world by storm was his alleged snorting of fire ants.
Back in the 1980s, while on tour with Mötley Crüe, it’s said that Ozzy, during a craziness stand-off with Nikki Sixx, inhaled a line of fire ants.
Whether this tale holds any truth or is just an exaggerated story, it has certainly added to Ozzy’s legendary status.
This myth is often retold to highlight the extreme lifestyle and unpredictability of rock stars.
2. Nikki Sixx Was Actually Dead But Came Back To Life
Nikki Sixx, the iconic bassist of Mötley Crüe, has a story that blurs the line between life and death. In 1987, Sixx overdosed on heroin and was declared clinically dead for two minutes.
The rock world was shocked when he came back to life and ran out of the hospital in just his leather pants. This near-death experience inspired the song “Kickstart My Heart.”
Nikki’s brush with death only added to his legend, proving that sometimes reality can be as wild as the myths themselves.
3. Ace Frehley Drank Perfume
The legendary guitarist of Kiss, Ace Frehley, is known for his wild lifestyle. Among the many myths surrounding him, one of the most peculiar is his habit of drinking perfume.
Frehley’s eccentric choice of beverage supposedly began when he ran out of alcohol during a tour. This unique legend has only amplified Ace’s reputation as a hard-partying rock star.
Whether the story is true or not, it certainly adds a dash of unique flavor to the rock ‘n’ roll mythos.
4. Billy Idol Was Shot By a Tranquilizer
Billy Idol’s onstage energy is legendary, but so is his love for partying. One instance involves three weeks of non-stop debauchery, where the hotel in Thailand asked him to promptly leave.
After he refused, they had no other choice but to call in the Thai army. After he resisted, they shot him with a tranquilizer and carried him out of the hotel.
This bizarre tale adds to his reputation as a high-octane performer who couldn’t be stopped.
While the truth of this legend is questionable, it paints a vivid picture of Idol’s presence and the lengths to which handlers might have gone to manage his energy.
5. Ozzy Bit Off a Head of a Bat
One of the most notorious legends in rock history is Ozzy Osbourne biting the head off a bat. During a 1982 concert in Des Moines, Iowa, a fan threw a bat onto the stage.
Thinking it was rubber, Ozzy bit into it, only to realize it was real.
This shocking act became an enduring part of his lore, symbolizing the unpredictable and chaotic nature of rock performances.
Whether seen as a wild stunt or a gruesome accident, it certainly underscores Ozzy’s reputation for pushing boundaries.
6. John Bonham Rode a Motorcycle In Hotels
Led Zeppelin’s drummer, John Bonham, was known for his larger-than-life personality. One legendary tale involves him riding a motorcycle through the corridors of a hotel.
This audacious act of rebellion is emblematic of the notorious behavior that rock stars are famous for.
Whether it happened exactly as told or is embellished over time, the image of Bonham tearing through a hotel’s hallways remains a vivid illustration of rock ‘n’ roll’s raw and untamed spirit.
7. Keith Richards Almost Burned Down the Playboy Mansion
Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards has a reputation that precedes him. One legend paints a chaotic picture of Richards nearly burning down the Playboy Mansion.
While partying in the mansion, it’s said that Richards was smoking in the bathroom and well, you can imagine the rest.
Though the details are murky, this story adds to Richards’ image as a rock star whose antics could ignite any scene, quite literally.
8. Van Halen and Their Brown M&Ms
Van Halen’s concert rider famously demanded a bowl of M&Ms with all the brown ones removed. This peculiar requirement wasn’t just a rock star whim. It was a clever test to ensure venues paid attention to every detail of their complex contract.
If brown M&Ms were found, the band knew other technical specifications might have been ignored.
This legend highlights Van Halen’s meticulous attention to detail, wrapped in a quirky demand that has become a staple of rock lore.
9. Keith Richards Snorted His Father
Perhaps one of the most bizarre rock legends involves Keith Richards allegedly snorting his father’s ashes. In an interview, Richards quipped about mixing his father’s ashes with cocaine and snorting the mixture.
Whether this was a joke or a truth-stretching anecdote, the legend has persisted, adding a macabre twist to Richards’ already notorious reputation.
This tale, true or not, reinforces the image of rock stars living on the edge and embracing the outrageous.
10. Keith Moon Loved Blowing Up Toilets
The legendary drummer of The Who, Keith Moon, was known for his explosive personality, both on and off stage. One infamous legend describes his penchant for blowing up toilets with explosives.
This destructive pastime was reportedly a favorite during his hotel stays, causing chaos and countless repair bills. Moon’s antics have become emblematic of the unruly rock star lifestyle.
Whether exaggerated or not, his love for explosions has cemented his status as one of rock’s most unpredictable figures.
