Bob Marley playing football backstage in 1979.
 

I love soccer. That’s all I ever watch. I’ll watch it all day if I can. But I’m too bloody old to play now.

—Lifelong soccer devotee, Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath.

 
I’m posting theses images today because I, and perhaps many of your reading this require a bit of a “mind cleanse” every now and then to blow all the bad shit out of your brain. And what better way to clear your mind of all the gloom and doom currently running amok in the global brain than to lose ourselves for a while looking at pictures of pretty people playing around with soccer balls. Ah, I feel better already.

There’s Robert Plant cavorting around in tiny sports briefs on a soccer field looking not-so-pleased that he was being photographed while doing so. There’s also a shirtless Roger Daltrey, a spandex-clad Rod Stewart, and a straight-up amazing shot of Bob Marley backstage at a show in San Diego in 1979 kicking a soccer ball around. Many other bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard actually actively played in amateur football leagues of their own during their time away from their headbanging duties, so I’ve included a few choice images of both bands suited up for gameplay as well.
 

Robert Plant.
 

Roger Daltrey.
 

Def Leppard.
 

Elton John having a go at a soccer ball along with a team he was part-owner for a time, the Los Angeles Aztecs.
 

Bob Marley in action.
 

Rod Stewart kicking a soccer ball on stage.
 

George Harrison and Paul McCartney.
 

Pink Floyd.
 

Little Richard and British musician Screaming Lord Sutch in Wembley Stadium, 1972.
 

Another shot of Bob Marley and his ever-present soccer ball.
 

A shot Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson and Dave Murray of Iron Maiden on the soccer field.
 

Members of Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Scorpions, Warlock and German rock band Rodgau Monotones, all suited up and ready to play ball. 
 

Another shot of Pink Floyd on the pitch.
 

Ringo, George and Paul.
 

Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath proudly displaying his custom #13 soccer shirt. According to guitarist Tony Iommi Black Sabbath’s 2014 tour was partially planned around Butler’s soccer viewing schedule and allegiance to his favorite team, the Birmingham’s Aston Villas.
 

Though she’s not truly a rock star in the true sense of the words, I had to include this shot of Marilyn Monroe kicking a soccer ball in a dress and heels for obvious reasons.

Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Hot soccer fashions of 1970
‘My Favorite Soccer Players’: Collectible cards of 1970’s sporting heroes