Have you ever thought about what it takes to keep your favorite music legends happy before they step onto the stage? Okay, fasten your seat belt, because the answer is often much crazier than you imagine! Forgetting a simple bottle of water and a clean towel; We are talking about specific demands ranging from completely strange to comical, vividly depicting the pure power (sometimes quirks) that comes with being a global music idol.
These incredible demands aren’t just whispered rumors; they’re meticulously detailed in something called a ‘concert rider,’ which is essentially a contract outlining every single thing an artist requires. Veteran music industry insider Sue Richmond has collected some of her most fascinating rider stories for her book ‘Excess All Areas,’ offering a fascinating glimpse into the often-unbelievable backstage worlds of music’s biggest stars.
So, get ready to peel back the curtain and peek into the often-unbelievable world of backstage riders. We’re about to dive deep into the ultimate list of the most outrageous demands made by music stars for their dressing rooms and immediate backstage environments. From the seemingly trivial to the outright dangerous, these requests prove that when you’re a superstar, the world really does revolve around you. You might think you’ve heard it all, but trust us, you haven’t seen anything yet!
1. **Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe): Weapons, Reptiles, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Mayhem**When you think Mötley Crüe, you probably envision a whirlwind of leather, loud music, and a general disregard for the ordinary. Nikki Sixx, the band’s legendary bassist, certainly lived up to that image, and his dressing room rider was no exception. Forget fruit platters; Sixx had a taste for the truly wild side, demanding items that would make a security detail sweat. His requests included a staggering 15-foot boa constrictor – because a regular-sized snake just wouldn’t cut it, right?
But wait, there’s more to this rock star’s adventurous spirit than just slithering companions. Sixx also insisted on having a machete and a stainless steel double-bladed combat/survival knife (specifically not serrated) in his room. As if that wasn’t enough to make you do a double-take, he then upped the ante by requesting a fully suppressed Heckler & Koch MP-5 SD sub-machine gun complete with 500 9mm rounds. It makes you wonder what kind of pre-show warm-up he had in mind!
This isn’t just about excess; it’s about an almost cinematic level of demand that screams ‘rock star.’ While these items might seem like props from an action movie, they were very real requests that promoters had to contend with. The sheer audacity of asking for such an arsenal, alongside a massive snake, truly sets Sixx’s rider apart as one of the most outrageous in music history. It perfectly encapsulates the rebellious, over-the-top image that Mötley Crüe cultivated and perfected throughout their career.
2. **Iggy Pop: Seven Dwarfs and Discarded Broccoli**Iggy Pop, the godfather of punk, might seem like a man who’d be content with the bare essentials. Think again! His 18-page rider from 2006 proved that even punk icons have their whimsical (and hilariously specific) preferences. One of his most iconic demands was that seven dwarfs be on hand to greet him in his dressing room. Yes, you read that right – not a band of roadies, but seven actual dwarfs. Talk about a unique welcoming committee!
But the eccentricity didn’t stop there. Iggy also famously requested a Bob Hope impersonator, specifically someone dressed as the comedian to ‘do impersonations of the dead comedian,’ adding a surreal and theatrical touch to his pre-show ritual that went beyond mere comfort.
And then there’s the truly bizarre food request: pre-chopped broccoli florets. Sounds healthy, right? Wrong. The rider explicitly states they are “to make them easier to throw away!” This detail perfectly captures the playful, almost mischievous humor embedded in Iggy Pop’s demands. It’s a testament to how some artists use their riders to inject personality and a dash of the absurd into the often-mundane world of touring logistics.
3. **Van Halen: The Infamous Brown M&Ms Test**No discussion of outrageous rock star demands is complete without mentioning Van Halen and their legendary ‘no brown M&Ms’ clause. This demand has achieved almost mythical status in music lore, often cited as the ultimate example of rock star excess run wild. Their 53-page 1982 rider was a tome of requirements, and nestled within it was the seemingly childish instruction: “M&Ms (WARNING: ABSOLUTELY NO BROWN ONES).”
While it might seem like a petty whim, frontman David Lee Roth himself revealed the ingenious logic behind it in a 2012 interview with NPR. He explained that this seemingly trivial request was actually a critical litmus test for a venue’s attention to detail. The full contract rider was immense, “like a Chinese phonebook,” and Roth had them place this clause “in the middle of nowhere.” If brown M&Ms appeared on a catering table, it was a clear signal.
Roth’s reasoning was simple: ‘If I saw brown M&Ms on a catering table, then I knew the promoter did not read the full rider.’ For Van Halen, this wasn’t about candy; it was a crucial safety measure, as a promoter who overlooked this detail might also neglect critical structural or electrical safety requirements, potentially leading to show cancellation and financial penalties.
4. **Prince: The Clear Plastic Wrap Protocol**Prince, the enigmatic musical genius, was known for his meticulous control over his artistic vision, and this extended to his backstage environment. One of his most striking and specific demands, outlined in his 2004 rider, was a testament to his unique need for purity and control. He required that “all items in dressing room must be covered by clear plastic wrap until uncovered by main artist. This is absolutely necessary.”
Imagine the scene: a dressing room filled with carefully arranged amenities, all meticulously shrouded in clear plastic, speaking to an almost ritualistic approach to personal space and ensuring everything is pristine and untouched until the artist’s arrival.
This demand goes beyond typical hygiene concerns; it suggests a desire for an untouched, unadulterated space, reinforcing his almost otherworldly persona. It’s a level of precision that few artists would even consider, let alone enforce. Such a request required an extraordinary level of compliance from venue staff, turning the simple act of setting up a dressing room into a precise, almost ceremonial task, all to meet the exacting standards of the Purple One himself.
5. **Lady Gaga: Mannequins with ‘Puffy Pink Public Hair’ and Smoothie Stations** Lady Gaga, Mother Monster herself, is synonymous with the avant-garde, and her backstage demands perfectly reflect her theatrical flair; for her ‘Monster Ball’ tour, she made the truly head-scratching request of a mannequin with ‘puffy pink public hair,’ a demand that undeniably stands out as one of the most uniquely bizarre items ever to grace a rider.
Beyond the mannequin, Gaga also ensured her physical well-being and creative energy were catered to with a comprehensive smoothie station in her dressing room. This wasn’t just a blender and some fruit; it was a full setup, complete with frozen berries, Fuze, and whey protein or non-fat Greek yogurt. It highlights a blend of her commitment to health and her need for customized comfort, allowing her to fuel up precisely as she needed before or after her demanding performances.
Lady Gaga’s demands are a fascinating mix of the outrageously artistic and the practically indulgent. The mannequin speaks to her profound engagement with visual art and performance, even in her private backstage moments. Meanwhile, the elaborate smoothie station underscores the intense physical demands of her shows and her need for tailored nutrition. It’s a perfect example of an artist crafting every detail of their environment to support their unique creative and physical needs.
6. **Joe Jonas: The Quest for 12 Puppies**Who doesn’t love puppies? Joe Jonas, it seems, loves them enough to put them on his concert rider! This charmingly unusual demand immediately conjures images of pure joy and chaos backstage. At the top of his rider, Jonas explicitly requests “12 puppies.” It’s a demand that stands out for its sheer cuteness factor, a stark contrast to the more mundane or demanding requests of other artists.
Jonas himself has revealed the story behind this delightful demand, admitting that it’s been on his rider for a while. However, he also shared a touch of reality: this is one request he doesn’t always get. He humorously noted that “only occasionally will a city will show up with 12 puppies” for him. It paints a picture of a star who, despite his fame, holds onto a relatable, simple joy.
This request is less about celebrity excess and more about a desire for a dose of pure, unadulterated happiness. While puppies might not be directly linked to performance, the comfort and mood they could bring to a hectic backstage environment are undeniable. It’s a lighthearted, yet genuinely outrageous, demand that offers a peek into the softer, more playful side of a pop star, demonstrating that not all rider requests are about power or prestige.
7. **Cher: A Wig Room, Dr. Stacey’s Quarters, and No Backstage Passes** Cher, the ultimate diva and a true icon, has perfected the art of commanding a stage and, apparently, her backstage area, with demands from a 1999 tour rider that are a testament to her legendary status and meticulous attention to detail, particularly concerning her iconic looks and personal well-being, including a dedicated ‘wig room’ for her fabulous hairpieces.
Beyond her sartorial needs, Cher also prioritized her personal comfort and care. Her rider specified separate rooms not only for her male and female dancers but also for a certain “Dr. Stacey, a massage therapist.” This shows an understanding that the demands of touring require professional support, and that this support should be accommodated with its own dedicated space. It speaks volumes about the level of detail and care she put into her touring operations.
And then there’s the definitive declaration: “Cher and her managers don’t wear backstage passes. End of story.” Her rider explicitly states that people should familiarize themselves with their faces because they simply won’t be wearing them. This isn’t just a preference; it’s a bold assertion of status and recognition, making it clear that some stars are simply beyond the need for such mundane identifiers. It’s a powerful statement that perfectly encapsulates Cher’s legendary confidence and untouchable star power.”
8. **Kevin Hart: A Very Specific Guest List**When it comes to superstar demands, some artists aim for luxury, some for convenience, and then there’s Kevin Hart, who just wants… company. The beloved comedian and actor took his rider into truly unique territory with a request that has certainly raised eyebrows. His demand wasn’t for specific snacks or high-tech gadgets, but for a rather particular group of individuals to be present backstage. It’s a prime example of a celebrity using their influence to craft a very specific, and undeniably outrageous, personal environment.
Hart explicitly asked for five women, aged between 21-27, to be at the venue one hour before and to stay one hour after his appearance. The demands didn’t stop at age; they extended to physique, specifying an “athletic/y build.” And as if those details weren’t precise enough, the rider even stipulated that T-shirts and tights would be provided to these women, with the only available “sizes are x-small, small, and medium.” It’s a level of specificity that leaves little to the imagination and a lot to logistical planning.
This demand transcends typical luxury items or quirky preferences. It speaks to a desire for a particular ambiance or perhaps a specific form of personal energy backstage. While the exact reasoning remains open to interpretation, it undeniably stands out as one of the most audacious and personally intrusive requests ever seen on a concert rider. It pushes the boundaries of what one might expect from a celebrity, transforming the backstage area into a highly curated social space.
Such a request truly highlights the immense power and influence that top-tier celebrities wield. To be able to demand, and potentially receive, such a precise personal accompaniment speaks volumes about the lengths some artists go to ensure their ultimate comfort, control, or even just a particular vibe, even if it might seem questionable or over-the-top to outsiders. It’s a peek into the sometimes-surreal world where fame truly allows for anything.
9. **Mariah Carey: Champagne Sips and Gum Disposal Services**Mariah Carey is synonymous with diva-level glamour and luxury, so it’s no surprise that her backstage demands are equally legendary. While some stars focus on elaborate food spreads or high-tech equipment, Mariah’s requests often revolve around the finer (and sometimes most absurdly specific) details that ensure her comfort and reinforce her iconic status. She truly leaves no stone unturned in creating her ultimate personal oasis before hitting the stage.
One of her famously precise demands included a bottle of Cristal champagne, but with a unique twist: it absolutely had to be served with bendy straws for sipping. It’s a tiny detail, yet it speaks volumes about her desire for convenience and perhaps a touch of playful luxury. It transforms a standard high-end beverage into a personalized experience, ensuring every aspect of her pre-show ritual is exactly to her liking, right down to the drinking utensil.
But perhaps the most iconic and jaw-dropping of her demands was for a person whose sole purpose was to throw away her gum. Yes, you read that correctly – a dedicated gum disposal specialist! This isn’t just about avoiding a messy wrapper; it’s about the ultimate delegation of even the most mundane personal tasks, elevating her to a level of service few could ever imagine. It’s the epitome of celebrity excess and a testament to her ‘untouchable’ persona.
These seemingly small but incredibly specific requests perfectly encapsulate Mariah Carey’s larger-than-life image. They demonstrate a meticulous approach to her personal environment, ensuring everything is not just perfect, but perfectly effortless for her. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of a true superstar who expects nothing less than absolute bespoke service, making every moment backstage as glamorous and catered as her performances.
10. **Madonna: A Personal Home Away From Home (and a 200-Person Entourage)**When you’re the Queen of Pop, Madonna, your backstage rider isn’t just a list of requests; it’s an entire blueprint for a highly controlled, deeply personalized, and incredibly luxurious ecosystem. Her demands go far beyond mere comfort, venturing into creating an exact replica of her personal living space, demonstrating an unparalleled level of attention to detail and an immense touring operation. It’s a statement of power and absolute control over her environment.
One of Madonna’s most mind-boggling demands was for a staggering 200-person entourage. Imagine the logistical nightmare of accommodating such a massive team! This isn’t just a few dancers and technicians; it’s a small army, suggesting a complex and highly specialized support system that travels with her everywhere. Coupled with this, she also required 20 international phone lines, ensuring seamless global communication for herself and her extensive team, truly reflecting her global icon status.
But the real showstopper is her insistence that her backstage room must look *exactly* like her own personal home. This isn’t a vague request for ‘cozy decor’; it means she actually ships around her own furniture to recreate her domestic environment on the road. Furthermore, the room needed special flower-scented fabric, a personal chef who prepares only vegan foods, and even her own dry-cleaning service. It’s a complete immersion, transforming a temporary space into an intimate sanctuary.
These extraordinary demands underscore Madonna’s commitment to maintaining her comfort, privacy, and aesthetic standards, no matter where she is in the world. Shipping furniture, employing a vast entourage, and orchestrating such personalized services all speak to an artist who demands absolute perfection and control over every facet of her professional and personal life. It’s less about diva behavior and more about crafting an impregnable bubble of familiarity and luxury amidst the chaos of touring.
11. **Mary J. Blige: The Ultimate Personal Toilet Protocol**Mary J. Blige, the reigning Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, has long been admired for her powerful voice and authentic persona. When it comes to her backstage requirements, she demonstrates a strong preference for personal space and uncompromising hygiene, making some very specific demands that emphasize her comfort and control over her immediate environment. Her rider leaves no doubt about what she considers essential for her peace of mind.
Among her most striking demands is her absolute refusal to use a “public” toilet. Her rider explicitly states that she requires her own private toilet, complete with a brand new seat. This isn’t just about a clean bathroom; it’s about a deeply personal boundary and an assertion of control over her most intimate spaces, ensuring an untouched and pristine environment for her exclusive use. It’s a demand that speaks volumes about seeking ultimate comfort and privacy on the road.
Her rider also delves into highly specific dietary and hydration needs, with Mary J. Blige insisting on ‘NO DAIRY OR PORK OF ANY KIND!!’ and demanding ’10 1.5 liter bottles of FIJI water (absolutely, positively must be FIJI),’ alongside an exact list of snacks that showcases an artist who knows precisely what she likes.
These detailed requests, from the private toilet to the precise brand of water and specific Mentos flavor, highlight Mary J. Blige’s meticulous nature and her need for a completely controlled and comfortable backstage experience. It reflects the intense physical and mental demands of touring, where even the smallest details can contribute significantly to an artist’s well-being and ability to deliver their best performance. Her rider is a clear declaration of her unwavering standards.
12. **Christina Aguilera: No Traffic, No Problem**Christina Aguilera, a vocal powerhouse known for her incredible range and dynamic performances, has a backstage demand that isn’t about exotic animals or obscure food items. Instead, her focus is on something far more practical, yet equally outrageous for most mere mortals: avoiding traffic. This demand showcases a celebrity leveraging their status to bypass one of the most common frustrations of modern life, ensuring a seamless journey to the stage.
To ensure she arrives at the venue unhindered, Aguilera’s rider includes a request for a police escort. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a firm requirement. The rider even adds a definitive clause: “under no circumstances are the vehicles to be allowed to encounter any delays due to traffic.” Imagine the sheer power and coordination required to enforce such a directive! It transforms a routine commute into an unchallengeable procession.
This demand isn’t about indulgent luxury in the dressing room itself, but rather about optimizing her entire travel experience to and from a performance, where punctuality and a stress-free journey are paramount for an artist of her caliber to prepare mentally and physically for a show.
Christina Aguilera’s request underscores the unique privileges afforded to global superstars. It’s a bold assertion of her need for efficiency and control, demonstrating that for some, even the most universal annoyances like traffic can be completely sidestepped. It’s a clear statement that when you’re a multi-platinum artist, your time, and your peace of mind, are considered invaluable assets that must be protected at all costs.
Here, you can freely travel through the backstage world of music superstars! From truly bizarre to comical specifics, these riders lifted the curtains and gave a naked glimpse into the lives of global idols, revealing that for these artists, this performance is not just happening on stage; It started a long time ago, in a carefully planned dressing room designed to satisfy every sudden whim of them.
