Behind the leather jackets, stadium lights, and screaming crowds, rock stars had quiet moments too. These vintage photos catch some of music’s biggest names off-duty — at the beach, by the pool, or just soaking up the sun in their swimwear. The styles on display are pure time capsule: high-waisted bikinis, retro trunks, bold patterns, and cuts straight out of the 20th century fashion scene.
The Rolling Stones were no strangers to the camera, but poolside shots like this one showed a looser, more relaxed side of the band. Mick Jagger alone appeared in multiple beach and swimsuit photos from this period.
Funk and soul brought their own energy to the shoreline. Betty Davis, one of the boldest voices of her era, was photographed in 1969 with the same fierce confidence she carried on stage.
Rod Stewart has never been shy about his love of the good life, and his beach photos are proof of that.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts brought their rock-and-roll attitude straight to the water’s edge.
Back in 1965, two Stones — Brian Jones and Keith Richards — were photographed together in swimwear, a rare glimpse of bandmates simply hanging out away from the chaos of touring.
Elvis Presley spent a good portion of 1961 filming beach and swimming scenes, and photos from that year capture him looking relaxed and at ease far from Graceland.
The Monkees turned a day at the beach into a signature group photo in 1967. Davy Jones is clearly in his swimsuit — the others are buried under a pile of sand.
David Bowie and Iman made even a day at the beach look like a fashion shoot. Their chemistry was undeniable in every setting.
Few bands were more associated with the beach than The Beach Boys. Their 1966 photo in swimwear was practically on-brand.
Rick James brought his usual flamboyance to a 1981 poolside moment, looking every bit the superstar even in swim gear.
Ozzy Osbourne, known for biting the heads off bats on stage, was photographed in 1985 looking far more relaxed in the summer sun.
The Beatles were photographed in swimwear during their whirlwind 1964 tour, showing four young men having fun between sold-out shows.
AC/DC in 1985 proved that hard rock bands take their downtime just as seriously as their concert sets.
Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane kept her signature style intact even at the beach in 1970, throwing pants right over her bathing suit.
Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin road manager Richard Cole were photographed together in 1969, showing a candid side of life on the road between shows.
No Doubt’s 1989 beach photo captures the band long before their mainstream breakthrough — young, relaxed, and clearly having a great time.
