Poker and heavy metal: two worlds fueled by risk, rebellion, and raw intensity. One thrives on face-melting solos and thunderous drums; the other demands icy nerves, strategy, and a killer poker face. But these seemingly distinct passions often overlap, creating a subculture where the riff meets the river.
Take Motörhead’s 1980 anthem “Ace of Spades.” More than just a proto-thrash classic, it became a cultural milestone, with a catchy riff and iconic chant that hit home with gamblers. In one PokerStars survey of over 1,000 European players, “Ace of Spades” was voted the greatest gambling song of all time, beating out Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.” That’s not just nostalgia; that’s a poker world tip of the hat to heavy metal’s enduring influence.
Poker has long appealed to musicians living on the edge. For some metalheads, it’s a casual thrill. For others, it’s a second calling. In this article, we’re diving deep into five legendary metal musicians who shredded stages and crushed card tables.
Scott Ian (Anthrax) ─ The Pit Boss Who Plays with Precision
When Scott Ian isn’t thrashing through “Indians” or “Caught in a Mosh,” he’s often found holding a hand of suited connectors. The rhythm guitarist and co-founder of Anthrax is known for his meticulous playing style, and that same precision shows up in his poker game. Ian’s love for poker is a serious passion. Over the years, he’s appeared on numerous celebrity poker tournaments and has even played in the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP).
A regular face in both cash games and charity events, Ian has rubbed elbows with poker legends and rock icons alike. His dual life as a guitarist and card shark makes him a standout example of how the metal lifestyle and the poker table aren’t so far apart.
Sully Erna (Godsmack) ─ From Power Chords to Power Plays
Sully Erna, frontman of Godsmack, is another metal musician who’s gone all-in on poker. Known for his gritty vocals and primal energy on stage, Erna brings a similar ferocity to the felt. Erna has participated in high-profile poker tournaments, including the 2006 and 2007 WSOP, and his competitive edge is no secret. His poker chops even earned him a seat at the 2006 Celebrity Poker Showdown, where he showed off more than just stage presence.
In one ESPN interview, Erna described how much he enjoyed playing in casinos, even going as far as using them as venues for his solo shows. “I love that environment,” he explained. “It works to my advantage also, as it’s a transient audience.” His passion is rooted in discipline, and poker is evidently a deeply personal hobby for Erna, as he returns to it in between music, TV, and film work. “I’ve studied the game. I’m getting the itch to play poker again… I need to shake the rust off.”
Steve Albini (Shellac) ─ The Sound Engineer Who Engineered Two WSOP Wins
While best known for producing legendary albums for Nirvana, The Pixies, and the Foo Fighters, Steve Albini is also a force to be reckoned with in the poker world. Unlike many musicians who dabble in the game, Albini has the hardware to back up his passion: two WSOP gold bracelets. During 2018 WSOP, Albini shocked the poker community by winning his first bracelet in the $1,500 Seven Card Stud event, outlasting 310 players and taking home $105,629.
Among the competitors that year was none other than the 2003 WSOP champion and Americas Cardroom pro Chris Moneymaker, who busted out on Day 1, highlighting Albini’s skill level as he played against professionals of that caliber. Albini’s win wasn’t a fluke. He returned in 2022 to capture a second bracelet, solidifying his legacy as a legitimate player. What makes Albini’s wins even more remarkable is his humility.
After his first bracelet, he told reporters, “I am ecstatic that a player as mediocre as me can outlast all of these better players.” His victory photo, grinning in a Cocaine Piss T-shirt, is pure Albini: authentic, irreverent, and totally metal.
Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) ─ Cool, Calculated, and Always Composed
Alice in Chains guitarist and co-vocalist Jerry Cantrell has long exuded a quiet intensity on stage, in the studio, and, as it turns out, at the poker table. While not as public about his poker prowess as others on this list, Cantrell has frequently been spotted at celebrity poker games and private tournaments. His approach is methodical, like his songwriting, which blends haunting harmonies with crushing riffs. Fans often describe Cantrell as “unshakable,” and that trait is invaluable in poker.
Whether staring down an opponent across a Vegas table or crafting melancholic masterpieces like “Rooster” and “Down in a Hole”, Cantrell radiates control. Poker, for him, seems like an extension of his artistic process: strategic, measured, and cool under pressure.
Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead) ─ The Patron Saint of Metal and Poker Machines
No list would be complete without the legendary Lemmy Kilmister. The gravel-voiced frontman of Motörhead — one of our Top Metal Bands That Shaped The Genre — didn’t just sing about poker; he lived it. His love for gambling, especially video poker, was the stuff of rock folklore. Lemmy’s go-to haunt was the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Los Angeles, where he practically held residency in front of his favorite poker machine.
So legendary was this devotion that when he passed away in 2015, the Rainbow replaced the machine with flowers and a plaque: “Lemmy: Born to Lose, Live to Win.” For Lemmy, it would seem that the “Ace of Spades” was a declaration of his love for the gamble. And while he may not have played WSOP events or won bracelets, Lemmy’s spirit embodies the ultimate poker ethos: play hard, live free, and never fold unless you absolutely have to.
Where the Cards and Chords Collide
The connection between heavy metal and poker runs deeper than a cool riff or a lucky bluff. Both demand guts, grit, and an understanding of risk versus reward. So next time you hear the thundering chords of “Ace of Spades,” remember, it’s a poker anthem.
