As music fans, we often look to our favourite artists for style inspiration, from their fashion sense to their tattoos. Many musicians sport food-themed tattoos, using edible icons to express their passions or commemorate meaningful moments. Here are the stories behind some of the tastiest tattoos in the music industry.
Ketchup - Ed Sheeran
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran’s love for Heinz ketchup is no secret. His hit ‘Shape of You’ even mentions putting ketchup on a pizza. Sheeran took his ketchup devotion to the next level by getting a Heinz ketchup bottle tattooed on his arm. His tattoo artist Kevil Paul had earlier revealed that the singer got the tattoo while in the US because he missed it so much. There is even a limited edition Heinz Ketchup bottle with Sheeran’s tattoo on it, which now graces the Museum of Victoria and Albert.
Ice Cream Cone - Gucci Mane
The American rapper has a distinctive tattoo of an ice cream cone with three scoops and the word "brrr" on his cheek. Ice cream, often associated with indulgence and enjoyment, could symbolize Gucci Mane's love for life's pleasures and his success in the music industry. The "brrr" is a catchphrase of his, often used in his songs to signify his cool demeanour and his icy jewellery. In this context, the tattoo could represent his unique style, his cool persona, and his success in the music industry.
Avocado and Vegemite - Miley Cyrus
The pop icon has a tattoo of an avocado and a jar of Vegemite on her arm. The avocado, a staple in vegan diets, is often associated with health and wellness. In this context, Cyrus' avocado tattoo could symbolise her commitment to a healthy lifestyle and her advocacy for veganism. The Vegemite tattoo is particularly interesting. Vegemite is a popular spread in Australia, the home country of her ex-husband, actor Liam Hemsworth. This tattoo could represent her connection to Hemsworth and her appreciation for Australian culture.
Strawberry and Peppermint - Katy Perry
Katy Perry's strawberry tattoo, inked in 2009, celebrates the success of her album One of the Boys. Known for her love of strawberries, Perry incorporated strawberry-themed props and costumes into her shows, including inflatable strawberries during her "Hello Katy" world tour. Complementing the strawberry tattoo, she also got a smiling peppermint tattoo on her right ankle for her album Teenage Dream. Perry's peppermint-inspired outfits during her "California Dreams" tour further showcased her affinity for this flavour. It's believed that some of her crew members also got matching peppermint tattoos, highlighting their shared passion. These tattoos reflect Perry's vibrant persona and the triumphs of her tour albums.
Pizza - Joe Principe
Joe Principe, the bassist for the punk rock band Rise Against, has a profound love for pizza that goes beyond the ordinary. His passion for this universally loved food is so intense that he decided to etch it permanently on his skin. Principe sports a 'Mom' style tattoo, but with a unique twist - instead of the traditional 'Mom' in the heart, his tattoo features the word 'Pizza.' Inked in the classic heart design, the tattoo is a testament to Principe's fondness for pizza. The pizza tattoo is a playful nod to the traditional 'Mom' tattoo, often associated with sailors and symbolizing love and devotion. By replacing 'Mom' with 'Pizza,' Principe has given a modern, humorous twist to a classic tattoo design.
BBQ Grill - Ariana Grande
In her excitement to celebrate the success of her hit single '7 Rings', around 2019, Ariana Grande decided to get a tattoo in Japanese characters that she believed read "7 Rings." She proudly tweeted a picture of her new hand tattoo, only to discover, thanks to the eagle-eyed Twitter community, that it actually read "shichirin," which translates to a small Japanese grill. This unexpected translation error quickly became a topic of conversation among fans and followers. However, Grande, known for her resilience and positive attitude, took the situation in stride. She explained that the issue had been resolved by adding another Japanese character, known as a kanji, and a heart to form a square.
Teacup - Louis Tomlinson
Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson’s body is adorned with a myriad of designs, each with its own unique story. Among these, one that particularly stands out is his teacup tattoo, a seemingly simple yet deeply symbolic piece of ink. The teacup tattoo, located on Tomlinson's right arm, is a tribute to One Direction's hit song 'Little Things' with the line: "You can't go to bed without a cup of tea." Tomlinson's teacup tattoo also reflects the personal journey he embarked on as a member of One Direction. The teacup, a symbol of comfort and familiarity, could be seen as Tomlinson's way of staying grounded amidst the whirlwind of fame.
Generally speaking, food tattoos tend to have no deeper meaning and are just a reminder of sorts for most musicians. But for fans, these tattoos allow us to gain insight into what fuels our favourite musicians’ creativity, passion, and personal journeys. Whether commemorating a meaningful moment or representing a simple pleasure, they offer a taste of the stories behind the music and the musician.