So, I must be fair. I’ve used the title of one of the chapters of ‘Never Work With Your Idols’, but it’s not exactly the same thing I’m talking about here. This one is about musicians finding their way into other forms of art. (In the book it’s more about business trying to be successful in other businesses)… But now: artists! How many artists have made the transition from rock/pop/country-star to painter, dancer or actor? Or the other way around, actors becoming musicians?
Now, I am sure that you can come up with at least 5 good examples of artists that succeeded. Lady Gaga, Elvis Presley, The Jackson 5, The Beatles, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Ronnie Wood… Well, is that really a career switch? Elvis was kind of forced to be an actor, right? (according to the last movie…) Gaga made more albums than films. The Jackson 5 and The Beatles all played themselves… Bowie and Jagger: maybe it was just an experiment… And the paintings by Dylan and Wood… Have you ever seen one of them?
No. No musician really becomes successful in the other arts… And the other way around? Johnny Depp is trying to be a musician now… Kevin Bacon, Tim Robbins, Woody Allen… All musicians and without any doubt, I can tell you: don’t pay headline money for a gig. Ticket sales will be poor… We’ve seen it in the last two decades: empty rooms and a call to all cinemas to help promote the gig.
Let’s be honest: If you’re an actor, stay on the screen. If you’re a musician: stay on stage… Don’t try to mix it.
Thanks, I’m off managing acts, writing a book and making paintings now.