Rock stars love surfing. The sport of riding waves is a great way to escape the pressure of big crowds, media, paparazzi, and fans. Surfing and rock and roll have always been successful alliances.
The Beach Boys kicked off an entire generation of music and waves.
Although there was only one surfer in the band led by Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys were the ultimate surfing music group.
In the last decades, many rock stars have tried surfing, and they've loved it so much that their tight tour schedules may even include special free time moments in the world's best surf spots.
So, are there famous surf musicians or surfers who rock? Yes, more than you'd probably imagined.
Metallica
Metallica's Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo are frequent surfers.
When they're not playing stadium-sized concerts, you may find them riding waves in Portugal or Morocco. Trujillo has even partnered with a famous Australian surf brand to market a new line of boardshorts.
Coldplay
Chris Martin is the lead singer of the British band Coldplay. He has shown a unique style in the board-riding division.
Nevertheless, Martin has already injured himself in the waves.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers have two surfers.
Anthony Kiedis and Flea are always catching waves when they're not rehearsing or playing packed arenas.
At the same time, they're on the frontline during surf celebrities' fundraising events.
Pearl Jam
Eddie Vedder loves surfing.
The rock star in Pearl Jam was born in Evanston, near Lake Michigan, and has been hitting the waves all over the world.
Vedder wrote the song "Oceans," inspired by his passion for surfing.
Other Surfer Musicians
Donavon Frankenreiter and Jack Johnson are gentlemen in the same surfing club. Are they rock stars or professional surfers? The answer might be a mix of both. Salted water songwriters or surf musicians would be right.
Perry Farrell (Jane's Addiction), Murphy Karges (Sugar Ray), Peter DiStefano (Porno for Pyros), Dean Butterworth (Morrissey), Brandon Boyd, Ben Kenney, and Mike Einziger (Incubus) complete the roster of rock stars who surf waves.
Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga? Yes, but they're pop stars.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com