20 Rock Legends Reveal Their Favorite Food
via @ozzyosbourne / YouTube
Some rock legends can command stadiums, influence generations, and dine at any five-star restaurant they choose—but their cravings often tell a more grounded story. When you peel back the stage lights and tabloid headlines, what you’ll often find is a plate of comfort food or a home-cooked meal simmering in a slow cooker on the tour bus. For many, favorite dishes aren’t flashy; they’re nostalgic, practical, and deeply personal.
Take Dave Grohl, who swears by a humble U.K. staple he could eat “seven times a day.” Or Pat Benatar, who prefers her Crock-Pot over catered spreads, especially when she and Neil Giraldo are on the road. Rockers like Nancy Wilson, Lars Ulrich, and Bret Michaels echo the same sentiment: food is fuel, ritual, and—when possible—a chance to stay connected to home.
Whether they’re health-conscious, indulgent, or culinary entrepreneurs on the side, these musicians aren’t just revealing what’s on their plate—they’re sharing a sliver of who they are when the amps are off. From tour-bus recipes to unexpected guilty pleasures, here’s what satisfies the appetites of 20 rock legends.
1. Jimmy Page: Indian Food
Jimmy Page’s love for Indian food has been as consistent as his iconic guitar riffs. Backstage at Led Zeppelin shows, it wasn’t unusual to find a spread of spicy dishes from the Far East, much to the delight of the legendary guitarist. The tradition even caused some drama during a recording session, when spilled curry sparked a dispute between the band and studio staff.
The connection between Page and Indian cuisine goes deeper than just taste. His fascination with Eastern culture has bled into his music, particularly in Led Zeppelin tracks like “Kashmir,” where the influence of Indian scales and instrumentation helped shape one of the band’s most iconic songs. The sound of the sitar and modal tunings echoed the kind of sonic experimentation that Indian music offered.
Every January 9, fans take to social media to wish Page a happy birthday, often with a side of naan or a curry reference. His fondness for Indian food has become part of his public persona, as closely tied to him as his double-necked Gibson. For Page, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s inspiration.
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2. Sting: Vegetables
For Sting, eating is more about nourishment than indulgence. The rock star follows a mostly macrobiotic diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and natural foods. Processed meals, dairy, and heavy meats rarely make the cut. It’s a disciplined regimen that he credits for helping him stay fit and youthful, even into his seventies.
His dedication to a clean lifestyle sometimes catches people off guard, especially when it clashes with his on-screen appearances. Fans of Only Murders in the Building might remember the humorous irony when Sting, playing a fictional version of himself, offers a roasted turkey during a police investigation. Despite the character’s culinary choice, the real Sting likely wouldn’t touch it.
Sting’s health-forward approach to eating reflects his broader philosophy of mindfulness and balance. Just as he’s maintained creative longevity through various musical eras, his diet mirrors that commitment to sustainability—of both body and mind.
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3. Stevie Nicks: Animal Crackers
Stevie Nicks may have toured the world with one of rock’s most legendary bands, but her snack cravings are disarmingly simple. Among her favorites? Animal crackers. Despite their childlike appeal, they hold a serious place in her backstage routine—even to the point where she has to ask others to hide them from her to resist temptation.
In interviews, Nicks has joked about her intense pursuit of the sweet treat. “I know they’re back there. I can smell them,” she told Vulture, laughing about her inability to resist the iconic snack. Her obsession has become a quirky part of her persona, just like her flowing shawls and mystical stage presence.
Beyond animal crackers, she’s also known to love a good dip—especially her famous 7-layer Fiesta Dip. That very dish even inspired the satirical SNL sketch “Fajita Roundup,” a nod to her enduring impact not just in music but in pop culture as a whole. For Nicks, food may not be the focus—but when it comes up, it’s memorable.
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4. Roger Daltrey: Fish
Roger Daltrey has always found solace in nature, particularly around water—and that’s no accident. The Who frontman fulfilled a lifelong dream by building his own trout fishery in East Sussex, creating four man-made lakes that have served as angling spots since 1981. His passion for fish extends from the lake to the plate.
In his local haunts, Daltrey champions restaurants that embrace seasonal, local ingredients—especially when it comes to seafood. One of his favorites is La Bella Vista, a cozy Italian spot in Hastings known for its fresh fish caught by the town’s own beach-launched fleet. For Daltrey, dining is not about decadence—it’s about celebrating the quality of what’s around him.
Fish isn’t just a meal for him; it’s part of a lifestyle grounded in sustainability and nature. Much like his music career, his approach to food is one of intention and craftsmanship. Whether he’s casting a line or enjoying spaghetti alle vongole, Daltrey’s love of the sea is always present.
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5. Billy Gibbons: Avocados
Billy Gibbons brings rock star flair to everything he touches—even guacamole. The ZZ Top guitarist’s spicy “Renegade Guacamole” recipe, demonstrated in full stage gear on YouTube, is more than just a fan favorite—it’s a testament to his love of bold flavors. Gibbons takes the humble avocado and elevates it with cayenne, cumin, smoked paprika, and hot sauce.
His interest in fiery foods isn’t limited to guac. In 2012, Gibbons even released his own hot sauce line, BFG Sauces, proving he’s just as inventive in the kitchen as he is onstage. The sauces carried his signature edge, turning up the heat with every drop.
Despite the rock-and-roll bravado, there’s something delightfully down-to-earth about Gibbons’ food choices. Avocados and hot sauce may not scream luxury, but they reflect a personality that thrives on creativity and authenticity. Like his guitar solos, his food is a little spicy, a little smoky, and unmistakably him.
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6. Sammy Hagar: Bacon
Sammy Hagar’s appetite goes far beyond the stage—he’s as enthusiastic about food and drink as he is about music. Over the years, he’s become a culinary personality in his own right, releasing books like Are We Having Any Fun Yet? and Cocktail Hits to showcase his favorite recipes and party tricks. His passion often puts him at odds with former Van Halen bandmates, whom he lovingly described as having no interest in fine food, opting instead for quick bites and cheap beer.
Hagar’s love of bacon in particular has taken on a life of its own. Whether wrapped around shrimp for a smoky appetizer or stacked high in a well-engineered BLT, bacon plays a recurring role in his kitchen. One of his favorite tricks? Toasting just one side of each bread slice to stop the tomato from slipping—a tip he swears by for a less messy sandwich experience.
Beyond the bacon, Hagar’s culinary curiosity led him to collaborate with Food Network’s Guy Fieri and even launch his own tequila brand, Santo. Together, they’ve whipped up recipes that combine savory heat with refreshing cocktails, proving that Hagar’s kitchen skills are just as finely tuned as his musical chops.
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7. Lars Ulrich: Oat Pancakes
Lars Ulrich doesn’t fuel Metallica’s thundering drum lines with junk food—he prefers something a bit more calculated. For years, Ulrich has credited oat pancakes as a core part of his diet, made with egg whites, oats, yogurt, and Stevia. They’re not flashy, but they give him exactly what he needs to maintain his energy through hours of high-intensity drumming.
He reportedly eats around 20 of these oat pancakes daily, using them as his main source of carbs. It’s a strict and somewhat surprising regimen, but one that makes sense given the physical demands of his performances. Whether he’s pounding out “Master of Puppets” or sprinting for a morning run, the pancakes are his fuel of choice.
This dedication to clean eating reflects Ulrich’s broader commitment to health and longevity. As one of metal’s most enduring figures, his food choices show a preference for sustainability over indulgence. It’s not about luxury—it’s about endurance and staying on beat for the long haul.
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8. Dave Grohl: Bangers and Beans
For all of Dave Grohl’s globe-spanning success, he’s got a deep love for one of the U.K.’s most humble dishes: bangers and beans. The Foo Fighters frontman has gushed about this simple meal in multiple interviews, describing it as his absolute favorite. He once joked he could eat it seven times a day without complaint, and you get the sense he wasn’t exaggerating.
“Bangers” refer to British sausages, often seasoned and sometimes prone to exploding in the pan—hence the name. Pair those with a side of hearty baked beans and you’ve got a comfort food combo that Grohl swears by, especially when touring in the U.K. The dish might not scream “rock star,” but it perfectly fits Grohl’s down-to-earth persona.
His food preference mirrors his approach to life and music: grounded, no-fuss, and full of flavor. Whether he’s shredding on stage or chowing down backstage, Grohl’s all about authenticity—and sometimes, that means beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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9. Mick Fleetwood: Lamb Shanks
Mick Fleetwood has a refined palate, and lamb shanks paired with a glass of Merlot hit the sweet spot. “I’m a Merlot-crazy man,” he once admitted, describing the meal as one of his all-time favorites. There’s something timeless and comforting about the combination—perfect for a rock legend known for both his taste and his style.
Fleetwood even brought his culinary sensibilities to the public when he opened Fleetwood’s on Front Street in Lahaina, Hawaii. Although lamb doesn’t appear on the menu, the restaurant serves up other well-crafted dishes like Mahi Mahi and New York steak, with wine selections curated from Fleetwood’s private cellar. It’s a blend of rock and refinement, nestled in island paradise.
While he’s best known as the drummer behind Fleetwood Mac, Mick’s life offstage reveals a man who enjoys the slow rhythm of a good meal and a fine vintage. The elegance of a lamb shank and a glass of red is a far cry from the chaos of a world tour—but maybe that’s exactly the point.
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10. Alice Cooper: Spicy Cheeseburgers
Alice Cooper’s onstage persona is all guillotines and glam, but his real-life food favorite is just as intense: the spicy cheeseburger. In 2021, he introduced the “Poison Burger” to the Rock & Brews restaurant menu, complete with a generous splash of his own hot sauce. Cooper himself admitted it was nearly too spicy for him to finish—no small statement from the king of shock rock.
This love for heat goes way back. Cooper grew up on White Castle sliders and was even inducted into the chain’s Hall of Fame in 2014. But the Poison Burger is in a different league, delivering a burn that lives up to its name. It’s not just a burger—it’s a challenge, and Cooper dares you to get through it without breaking a sweat.
In true rock fashion, Cooper’s approach to food is bold, theatrical, and just a bit dangerous. Whether he’s torching the stage or scorching your taste buds, he’s always pushing the limits—and apparently, so is his lunch.
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11. Brian May: Grapefruit
When asked about his favorite food for the 2011 cookbook Love Music Love Food, Brian May didn’t go with something heavy or elaborate—instead, he chose grapefruit. It might seem like a modest pick from a guitarist known for his sweeping solos with Queen, but it reflects the thoughtful and health-conscious side of the rock legend. Photographer and cookbook author Patrice de Villiers was surprised, but May’s choice came from a genuine place.
His fondness for the citrus fruit also emerged during a candid moment on Instagram in early 2020. While discussing seasonal depression, May shared that grapefruit and crispbread were part of his effort to stay healthy during Veganuary. The fruit was part of his breakfast that day, along with a plant-based spread and homemade marmalade—proof that he not only enjoys clean eating but likes to keep it homemade, too.
Since that challenge, May has maintained a meat-free lifestyle and become a vocal advocate for animal rights. His eating habits align with his broader values: compassion, mindfulness, and sustainability. Grapefruit may be simple, but in May’s hands, it carries a deeper meaning.
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12. Ozzy Osbourne: Cheese
Ozzy Osbourne may be the Prince of Darkness on stage, but in the kitchen, he leans toward something a little lighter—cheese. Over the years, Ozzy’s love for cheese has popped up in small but memorable ways, from shopping for specialty wedges at a Beverly Hills shop during a difficult time in his life to sharing cheese-loaded pizza with his family in happier moments.
During a particularly rocky chapter in 2013—while separated from his wife Sharon and dealing with renewed struggles—he was photographed browsing a gourmet cheese store, revealing his softer side. Later, after reconciling, the couple posted a cheerful photo enjoying cheesy pepperoni pizza with family, bringing a bit of levity back to his public persona.
Even his more eccentric moments have involved cheese. On MTV’s The Osbournes, Ozzy once fed cheese to fish, convinced they liked it. He’s also known to snack on black licorice, but cheese remains a consistent craving. It’s a humble indulgence from one of rock’s most unpredictable icons.
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13. Joe Elliott: Fish and Chips
For Joe Elliott, fish and chips isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory. Back in 1978, as Def Leppard was just getting off the ground, Elliott’s father lent the band £150 to record their first songs. After wrapping up the session at Fairview Studios in Hull, the band used the leftover £1.50 to buy fish and chips on the way home. That simple meal marked the start of something big.
Elliott’s emotional connection to that day resurfaced after his father’s death in 2011, when the band shared the story publicly. The crunchy, golden dish—so deeply rooted in U.K. culture—still holds significance for him, not only as a food he loves but as a symbol of where it all began. It’s tradition, family, and ambition wrapped in newspaper.
Fish and chips remains one of the U.K.’s most beloved dishes, with hundreds of millions served annually. For Elliott, it’s more than just fried food—it’s part of his personal history and a taste of home that never loses its flavor.
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14. Steven Tyler: Chicken Pot Pie
Steven Tyler isn’t shy about his cravings, and chicken pot pie sits comfortably at the top of his list. Loaded with tender chicken, veggies, creamy sauce, and buttery crust, it’s a comfort food classic that the Aerosmith frontman enjoys both for its flavor and nostalgic warmth. It’s a dish that feels like home—something even a rock star can appreciate.
In a playful exchange with TMZ in 2013, Tyler was asked what his favorite pie was, and he replied with “Pootley pie,” which fans quickly interpreted as a marijuana reference. But a few years later, in a wholesome Twitter post with his daughter Mia, he clarified what really gets him baked these days: homemade chicken pot pie.
Tyler’s love for hearty, carb-filled dishes is well known. Unlike other rockers who veer toward health foods, he embraces meals that are indulgent and satisfying. Chicken pot pie isn’t just a dinner—it’s a warm, flaky reminder that sometimes, the best comfort is served in a crust.
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15. Tom Petty: Coffee
For Tom Petty, coffee was never just a morning pick-me-up—it was practically sacred. When biographer Warren Zanes visited Petty’s Malibu home, he casually complimented the coffee. That small comment turned into a deep, winding conversation about what makes the perfect cup, where to find one, and how that cup connects to a sense of place, memory, and purpose.
Zanes described the moment like something out of Citizen Kane, where the coffee represented more than taste—it symbolized youth, optimism, and a time before fame brought its weight. That cup, always Maxwell House and always measured to perfection, gave Petty a kind of grounding that he couldn’t quite find elsewhere. It was comfort, routine, and meaning in a mug.
According to Rolling Stone, Petty found his favorite brew at a local Malibu diner. But the real magic wasn’t in the brand—it was in the ritual. Every cup was a way to hold onto the past, a simple act that reminded him of who he was before the world changed. In that way, coffee wasn’t just a beverage—it was a connection.
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16. Joan Jett: Vegetables (and Breakfast Food)
Joan Jett’s rebellious streak extends into the kitchen, where her dietary preferences have evolved over time. After The Runaways split up, Jett found herself sticking to breakfast food for an entire year—French toast, pancakes, and muffins took over her plate, and somewhere along the way, she began to lose her appetite for meat. That shift marked the beginning of a long-standing preference for plant-based meals.
While breakfast was her gateway, Jett’s love for vegetables grew stronger with time. She’s a fan of pasta tossed in quality olive oil and garlic, and she proudly makes her own tomato passata for sauces. In summer, she skips the grill lines of meat and goes straight for wood-grilled vegetables, favoring hearty picks like portobello mushrooms that serve as satisfying centerpieces.
In 2022, Folgers even featured Jett’s song “Bad Reputation” in a campaign to refresh its image, aligning her iconic sound with the comfort of a morning ritual. Whether it’s coffee, tomatoes, or mushrooms on the grill, Jett’s food choices reflect her grounded, no-nonsense attitude with just the right touch of edge.
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17. Jon Bon Jovi: Italian Food
Jon Bon Jovi grew up with the comforting aroma of homemade sauce simmering in the family kitchen. His father, Jon Bongiovi Sr., turned their cherished Italian recipe into a business with Bongiovi Pasta Sauces, allowing fans to get a taste of that family tradition. When asked about his favorite dish, Bon Jovi doesn’t hesitate—eggplant lasagna is at the top of the list.
The dish is a regular on holidays in the Bongiovi household, prepared in big batches so there’s always enough for leftovers. Lighter than traditional lasagna, the eggplant version matches Bon Jovi’s health-conscious lifestyle while still delivering the hearty flavor of his Italian roots. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a legacy baked into every bite.
Proceeds from Bongiovi Pasta Sauces also support the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, blending the rocker’s love for food with his commitment to giving back. For Bon Jovi, Italian food isn’t just comfort—it’s community, culture, and purpose rolled into one delicious plate.
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18. Paul McCartney: Vegetarian Dishes (Including Black Bean Burgers)
Paul McCartney’s decades-long commitment to vegetarianism is no secret. He’s been outspoken about animal rights, clean eating, and sustainable living, and in 2009, he launched the Meat Free Mondays campaign with daughters Mary and Stella to encourage people to reduce their meat intake. But even with his plant-based ideals, McCartney keeps things fun and accessible—his favorite? A good old-fashioned black bean burger.
The burger, featured in Mary McCartney’s cookbook At My Table, is a hearty, flavorful dish that shows vegetarian meals can be both satisfying and delicious. Made with spices, onions, and—you guessed it—black beans, the burger is a regular favorite in the McCartney household and a staple for anyone following the Meat Free Mondays philosophy.
Though he’s never gone fully vegan (he still enjoys eggs and cheese), McCartney’s dedication to vegetarian living has made a major cultural impact. Through cookbooks, campaigns, and leading by example, he’s proven that rock stardom and conscious eating can go hand-in-hand without sacrificing taste.
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19. Gene Simmons: Oatmeal (with a Twist)
Leave it to Gene Simmons to reinvent something as humble as oatmeal. The KISS bassist swears by a unique morning mix that he’s been eating for decades: cottage cheese, oatmeal, whipped cream, Splenda, and fruit. It might sound unconventional, but Simmons stands by the combination as his go-to breakfast, boldly declaring it “delish” on Twitter.
The quirky combo isn’t the only twist in his breakfast routine. Simmons has also been known to toss ice cubes into his cereal to keep the milk extra cold—a habit that raised eyebrows online but stayed consistent in his household. His son, Nick, even joked, “Thirty years. Thirty years of watching him do this. This is my life.”
As with his stage persona, Simmons brings flair and individuality to the kitchen. Whether it’s an over-the-top stage outfit or an oatmeal parfait with whipped cream, he does things his own way—and unapologetically so.
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20. Elvis Presley: Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
No list of rock-and-roll food favorites would be complete without Elvis Presley’s legendary sandwich of choice: peanut butter and banana. The King was famously known for his cravings, and one of the most memorable took place in 1976 when he and his bodyguards visited the Colorado Mine Company restaurant. There, he discovered the Fool’s Gold Loaf—a sandwich loaded with sourdough bread, peanut butter, jelly, and a full pound of bacon.
With an estimated 8,000 calories, the monstrous sandwich became something of a myth. Elvis even chartered a private jet from Graceland back to Denver on more than one occasion just to satisfy a late-night craving. Over time, he began making similar versions at home, cementing its status as the ultimate Elvis indulgence.
Though it’s outrageous by today’s standards, the sandwich is a perfect snapshot of Presley’s larger-than-life persona. It’s decadent, excessive, and unforgettable—just like the man himself.
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