Is it really cliché for a rock star to do — and request — crazy things backstage at concerts? Of course it is, but it still happens. One thing’s for sure though, rock stars are not the only offenders when it comes to demanding a lot from their backstage crew. Celebrities in general have special lists of items to accompany them while out of the spotlight, but some simply go overboard. Here are 15 of the most ridiculous celebrity backstage requests.
Celine Dion
Songstress Celine Dion has been active in her career since 1990, and has released such super hits as “My Heart Will Go On” and “Because You Loved Me.” Although well-received by her fans, she can apparently be extremely picky when backstage. She requires that her dressing room be precisely 23 degrees Celsius — 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Now that’s pretty specific, but we have to wonder how she keeps track of the temperature all the time and what she’d do with a one degree variation. Will her heart go on, then?
Amy Winehouse
English singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse is generally seen as a wreck by the public. In case you can’t tell, we had a great time looking through pictures of Ms. Winehouse. She’s not particularly needy backstage, at least, not in the material sense. However, Winehouse apparently requires that her crew be sober — so she can get wasted. Oh, the irony.
Britney Spears
Britney Spears has been on quite a rollercoaster ride during her career. We’d like to still think of her as the cutsie, pigtailed bubblegum girl she once was — but that’s just not possible anymore. She is very specific about her backstage needs. She demands a private phone line in her dressing room — for outgoing calls only — and will fine the promoter $5,000 for any unauthorized incoming calls. She also likes two boxes of Pop Tarts, Froot Loops cereal, cable television, two 6-foot sofas and odor-free carpet. We understand the last half of the list but, a private phone line? Ever heard of cell phones?
Prince
Musician Prince has reportedly written more than 1,000 songs, and women have always thrown themselves at him, so we give him credit where it’s due. He’s a bit of an odd duck backstage, though. He likes a physician to be on hand at all times to inject him with vitamin B12 — the physician is understandable, but he really must like his B12. Another odd backstage requirement is that all food “must be covered by clear plastic wrap” until he uncovers it. Very strange.
Jennifer Lopez
Pop and R&B wonder Jennifer Lopez is reportedly the richest person of Latin American descent in Hollywood. It’s understandable considering her success in music, fashion and who knows what other things she’s gotten herself into. While backstage, she has a thing for the color white. White tablecloths, drapes, flowers, couches, candles — you name it, she wants it white. Seems a little OCD, but that’s nothing compared to the fact that she requires her coffee to be stirred only counter-clockwise.
Van Halen
Rock band Van Halen has enjoyed success since 1978, when their self-titled debut album was released. They’ve had the most number one hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and some might agree that they have earned the right to be a little picky backstage. They always ask for a bowl of M&Ms candy, with the brown ones removed. It might seem strange at first — because it is — but it’s for good reason. The band wants to make sure that the organizers read their contract completely to avoid any safety issues with band equipment.
Moby
Musician, DJ, and singer-songwriter Moby is best known for his ambient electronic music, and has gained worldwide success since his start in 1991. Just like any one of us, he has his likes and dislikes — but apparently really likes underwear. He requires that many, many extra pair be available. We don’t want to think about why. He also dislikes smoking, and has even gone to the point of throwing a tantrum about it, and refusing to play in a smoking venue altogether.
Madonna
Material Girl Madonna is one of those music legends that you’ll always remember, whether or not you ever liked or even listened to her music to begin with. She’s gotten more eccentric over the years, so her strange backstage requests don’t surprise us. It’s just strange that she requires a brand new toilet seat at every concert she plays. Ever heard of covers? Guess they’re not good enough.
Iggy Pop
Songwriter Iggy Pop has had huge influence on many genres of music, and he’s often considered one of the most dynamic stage performers of all time. That may be so, but he once requested seven dwarves to be brought backstage. We have no clue why. Maybe a reenactment of Snow White?
Mariah Carey
Pop diva Mariah Carey really lives up to the title. She once required an attendant to get rid of her chewing gum, and she often desires the company of small furry animals backstage – bunny rabbits, puppies, and kittens are her favorite. She also likes Cristal champagne and bendy straws, although those items seem far more reasonable than a petting zoo.
Paul McCartney
Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney is another musician that has made history with his music. We’ve seen a lot of crazy requests, but his is ridiculously specific. He demands 19 leafy six-foot plants, four leafy four-foot plants, vegetarian catering only and absolutely no animal by-products anywhere — including the furniture and carpets.
Marilyn Manson
Musician Marilyn Manson is best known for his striking stage persona. His backstage
requests might seem tame compared to most — cranked up air conditioning, Haribo gummi bears (must be Haribo brand), absinthe, popcorn and Doritos. That is, until you get to the last one on the list: A bald hooker with no teeth.
Mötley Crüe
Hard rock band Mötley Crüe have truly lived up the the rock star lifestyle with tattoos, women, jail and all the rest. It seems tame when they simply desire mayonnaise, Grey Poupon Dijon mustard, and creamy peanut butter. Oh wait, we almost missed a couple: A 12-foot long boa constrictor, a sub-machine gun, and the local Alcohols’ Anonymous meeting schedule. We take the tame comment back.
David Hasselhoff
Knight Rider and Baywatch star David Hasselhoff also does a lot of other stuff — like
singing and producing television shows. But who cares, none of that stuff matters because he’s just so awesome. Why? He requires a life-size cardboard cutout of himself backstage.
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand has taken home two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy awards among a slew of others for her diverse work throughout her (very long) career. It’s
hard to bash someone with that much under their belt, but come on — she requires rose petals in her toilet. Sounds like she’s got an ego bigger than her nose.
