10 Rock Musicians With Surprising Day Jobs
9. Alex James (Blur) – Cheesemaker
For most rock stars the excesses of fame, fortune and a near constant conveyer belt of groupies and cocaine often results in a long stint in rehab or bankruptcy. And for Alex James this was the destination he was on course for.
Unsurprisingly, the success of Blur and their status as one of the biggest rock acts in the '90s led James to an existence that revolved around the finest of champagnes and snowdrift sized piles of cocaine. But rather than indefinitely succumbing to these somewhat cliché trappings, James managed to find his way through the snow storm and channel his energies into more wholesome ventures.
For being in one of the biggest British bands of the '90s it was a surprising change of pace for the bass player to venture into the realm of farming. Trading in the hedonistic lifestyle of a Britpop rock star for a quieter existence, James bought a dilapidated farm in the Cotswolds and started churning out cheesy goodness.
He hasn't left the music behind completely, apart from intermittent projects with Blur, he's found a way to fuse his love of dairy based products with his love of New Order. One of his most successful blue cheeses was aptly dubbed "Blue Monday".