Stars' Over-The-Top Backstage Demands

Forbes - July 31, 2008 8:30 PM PDT
Story photo: Stars' Over-The-Top Backstage DemandsWireImage.comForbes
On a recent tour, Mariah Carey's list of backstage must-haves included the usual throat lozenges and mineral water. But the 39-year-old singer also required "a bottle of Cristal champagne, chilled, a box of 'bendy' straws and four champagne glasses." Not to mention "tea service for 8."

Jennifer Lopez goes a step further. Her backstage requirements have included "a white room, white flowers, white tables and/or tablecloths, white drapes, white candles, white couches."

But while divas like Lopez and Carey are known for the unusual demands they make when they're on the road, they're hardly the only celebrities with laundry lists of bizarre requests.

Even Vice President Dick Cheney has a certain request for his "downtime suite" wherever he goes. Stumped? He asks that all TV sets be "tuned to Fox News."

In Pictures: Stars Over-The-Top Backstage Demands

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The phenomenon apparently first caught on in the 1980s, when Van Halen began insisting on bowls of M&M's backstage at concerts--with the brown ones removed. When asked about it, the group's lead singer, David Lee Roth, said the request was nothing more than a quick way to gauge whether their hosts were being diligent about adhering to a contract that also contained many equipment-related requirements. (Musicians typically have a new contract rider for each tour.) The M&M's are no longer on Van Halen's list of requests.

While some stars are concerned with security -- Barbra Streisand has stipulated in her rider that "there will need to be a thorough inspection of [the] concert facility by police K9 prior to sound check" -- others require provisions ensuring a star stays healthy.

Christina Aguilera has asked for "One (1) Small Bottle of 'Flintstones' Vitamins with Extra Vitamin C." Only fresh fruit will suit Shania Twain; her demands have included "six lemons, three papayas, three mangoes and 18 apples."

Other stars are less concerned with being well. The only way they prefer to stock a backstage area is with cold drinks and smokes. Coldplay retreats to a backstage stocked with "48 cold, strong continental lagers ... NOT U.S. beers" while 50 Cent demands "1 Box of Cuban Cigars (Montecristo)."

The kids at heart include John Mayer and Kanye West. Mayer makes sure there is "One box of a 'Kids Brand Cereal' ... From the following brands: Captain [sic] Crunch, Lucky Charms, Count Chocula, Cookie Crisp, Cinamin [sic] Toast Crunch" while West wants checkers game Connect Four at the ready.

Perhaps singer Diana Krall is the only performer whose demands ensure post-gig relaxation: She asks for a yoga room.

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comments 1-10 of 195  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • brown sugar
    LEAVE MARIAH ALONE. SHE IS STILL BEAUTIFUL. AND NICK IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR HER. SHE NEEDS A REAL MAN.
    report abuseposted January 1, 2009 5:47 AM PST
  • Baby Doll
    not to talk bad about Mariah i like her but what the heck is wrong with her jumping the broom with Nick he seems too young and childish for her not to mention too much woman for him he didn't tell his family about the wedding they heard it like us in the news is something fishy here!!!!!
    report abuseposted October 16, 2008 3:44 AM PDT
  • fernandito
    I DID OBAMA NO EXPERIECE TO MUCH TALK MACNAIN TO OLD BETTEROFF WITH HILARY
    report abuseposted August 28, 2008 2:23 AM PDT
  • je$$i
    i like the old mariah when she actually sang instead of this whispering %@!*# she like to do . but im disappointed in her with the money she makes she could get a personal trainer instead of getting surgery
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 7:50 AM PDT
  • nikki w
    Mariah Carey Thinks Shes "all that" With its all about me attitude........Shes NOT all that.....how bout the time she was in a psych ward, didnt want anyone to know about that did she.....Shes Far From being normal......Poor Mariah...Too Funny!!!!!!!
    report abuseposted August 18, 2008 6:55 PM PDT
  • Sonia M
    mariah carey isn't black, she wants to be. Her dad is from Venezuela, doesn't make him or her black. but whatever!
    report abuseposted August 14, 2008 6:55 AM PDT
  • nonyia
    the people that called Mariah Carey r STUPID! she is HOT and still IS YOUNG!
    report abuseposted August 11, 2008 4:24 PM PDT
  • Billy Joe S
    kid love the star today
    report abuseposted August 8, 2008 6:16 AM PDT
  • Jen8080
    her freakin look is so old and boring!!!!!!!!! yea it was cute when she first came out with the curly black hair that was NATURAL......it seems like she's forgotten her black background. ew and have you seen her mom? omg TRAAIILLLEERRRRRR
    report abuseposted August 8, 2008 5:01 AM PDT
  • First L
    %@!*# out of here she still sexy and i wish she was my wifey
    report abuseposted August 7, 2008 3:17 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 195  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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