Evening Rituals of Iconic Guitarists: A Peek into Their Lives

What do legendary guitarists do when the stage lights dim and the last chord rings out? While the spotlight often captures the thrilling chaos of their performances, it rarely reveals the personal, quieter moments that come afterward. Yet, these evening rituals—whether spiritual, sensory, or downright quirky—often play a crucial role in shaping a musician’s rhythm, creativity, and longevity.

From meditation and mellow solo jams to reading, writing, and even modern tools like vaping, the night routines of iconic guitarists show a side of them the world rarely sees. This article explores those post-show habits, blending legacy and lifestyle into a deeper look at how great artists unwind.

Evening Practices for Relaxation

Evening routines can be the secret weapon for musicians constantly on the go. These habits are more than just preferences—they’re survival strategies for mental clarity, rest, and sustained creativity. The best part? There’s no single blueprint. What works for one rock legend may seem wildly unconventional to another.

The Importance of Routine

Consistency brings calm, especially after a high-energy performance. Many iconic guitarists create a structure around their evening hours to reset both body and mind.

• Slash (Guns N' Roses) reportedly winds down with mellow blues records and prefers to be left alone with his guitars, even after an explosive show. This solitude helps him re-center and prepare for the next day.

• Carlos Santana is known for integrating meditation and spiritual practices into his post-performance ritual. Tuning out the noise and tuning into peace is his way of reconnecting with creativity.

• Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) often retreats with books or poetry, blending literature with sound in his thoughts. He’s one of many who sees nighttime as a moment for quiet stimulation, not silence.

Building a consistent evening routine, even for non-musicians, can reduce stress and increase productivity. The key is to find what calms you, whether it’s dim lighting, soothing music, or an hour without screens.

Unconventional Habits of Legends

Some evening rituals are, in a word, unexpected. But genius often thrives in the unexpected.

• Jimi Hendrix, though deeply spiritual, was also known for his odd late-night habits—like rearranging hotel furniture or writing poetry under blacklight. His nights were bursts of creativity, not wind-downs.

• Kurt Cobain was famously nocturnal. He would spend hours sketching or journaling into the early morning, often using solitude as a way to process the noise of fame.

• Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) prefers a balance of political reading and unplugging, often saying he “ends the night as a student, not a rockstar.”

Unconventional or not, these routines reflect personality, priorities, and the personal world artists escape to once the crowd disappears.

Modern Evening Rituals

Not all rituals were born in the ‘70s or ‘90s. Today’s generation of guitarists blend old-school traditions with modern habits to craft a new kind of nightly rhythm.

• John Mayer has been vocal about his structured approach to wellness and rest. He ends his day with digital detoxing, reading, and staying away from alcohol—favoring stillness over indulgence.

• St. Vincent (Annie Clark) reportedly mixes relaxation with tech—sometimes watching abstract visuals or looping pedalboard experiments late at night to generate ideas.

• Modern artists like Polyphia’s Tim Henson lean into self-care and modern aids like vaping as a way to decompress after long studio sessions. It’s not unusual to find artists using discreet, flavorful vape devices—nicotine-free or otherwise—as part of their mental cool-down.

While it may seem mundane, vaping can function like a small ritual—just like sipping tea or lighting incense—creating a signal to the body that it’s time to slow down. For some, it's about sensory relaxation; for others, it’s just a modern twist on familiar comfort.

Why These Rituals Matter

Evening rituals aren’t just habits—they’re part of what keeps creativity alive. In a world that demands constant output, artists need space to reflect, recharge, and reimagine. The quiet of the night offers exactly that.

Here’s what fans—and even aspiring musicians—can learn:

• Creative recovery is essential – You can’t pour from an empty cup.

• Small rituals create stability – Whether it's a walk, a warm drink, or a few puffs of a calming vape, structure breeds balance.

• Modern tools can enhance old routines – There’s no harm in adding modern comforts to timeless habits, as long as they bring clarity and calm.

Creating Your Own Evening Ritual

Inspired by your favorite guitarist? You don’t have to be a rock legend to benefit from a solid nighttime routine. Start simple:

• Pick a wind-down time – Try turning off devices or ending your social obligations by a certain hour.

• Set a sensory tone – Use sound, scent, or taste to signal relaxation (soft music, herbal tea, a gentle vape flavor, etc.).

• Engage your mind gently – Read, journal, strum, or sketch—avoid the urge to overstimulate.

• Stick to the rhythm – Even if you tour your own apartment instead of the world, consistency helps your brain and body sync.