Australia’s summer tour season is just starting to kick off, with Sir Paul McCartney returning to the country for the first time in almost 25 years (trust me, I’ve been counting).
According to Perth Now, site crew preparing for McCartney’s December 2nd show at Perth’s NIB Stadium have been told they will be provided free catering on site. The catch? Staff must abide McCartney’s strict request for a vegan rider, with workers banned from eating meat on site.
It’s not the first time McCartney has imposed a meat ban at his live shows, it has been reported he has threatened not to perform unless show organisers confirmed no meat would be eaten backstage.
But the singer’s meat ban is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to crazy celebrity rider demands.
From Kanye West’s list of absolutely necessary backstage beauty products to Mariah Carey’s demand for 20 white kittens (yes, really…), here’s a look back at some of the most ridiculous things celebs have (reportedly) demanded backstage.
1. Beyoncé
Queen Bey is often described as one of the easiest artists to work with… but her rider says otherwise. According to Huffington Post, Beyonce’s dressing room must be kept at 25.5 degrees and Bey requests a brand new toilet seat for every bathroom she uses. As for pre-show snacks, Beyonce asks for baked chicken “HEAVILY SEASONED” and strictly Pepsi products only. You do you, Bey.
2. One Direction
According to Elle, on their 2015 On the Road Again tour, 1D asked that their backstage area be stocked with local beer, KFC and homemade desserts including fruit tarts, ice cream, and profiteroles (a favourite of Niall Horan). Promoters were also asked to provide a ping-pong table and other games for the group, according to an allegedly official document released on Smoking Gun.
3. Kanye West
Kanye West’s list of demands is all about alcohol and maintaining his backstage regimen, according to Business Insider. Kanye’s selection of alcohol includes Hennessy, vodka, tequila and beer. According to Refinery 29, Kanye also asks for a barber’s chair, Carmex lip balm, L’Occitane soap, Neutrogena face scrub and Nivea moisturiser.
Listen: The MMOL team discuss Kanye’s unorthodox life. Post continues after audio…
4. Jay-Z
According to Business Insider, Jay-Z’s backstage demands include seven separate dressing rooms with the desired temperature of 22 degrees. Jay-Z’s list is more humble than others though, with his main requests being for “good quality” peanut butter and grape jelly.
5. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s requests keep up her reputation of being the ultimate diva. One of Carey’s most outrageous requests to be surrounded by “20 white kittens and 100 doves” was denied in 2009 due to health and safety regulations, according to The Telegraph. Mariah’s backstage demands reportedly include eight “tall, leafy plants”, two vases of white roses, multiple bottles of Chardonnay and Jo Malone vanilla candles, according to CheatSheet.
6. Madonna
What’s the point of being called ‘The Queen of Pop’ if you don’t get treated like one? Madonna’s backstage entourage consists of 200 employees, according to MTV. Employees include multiple bodyguards, an acupuncturist, an on-site dry cleaner, a yoga instructor and a personal chef to prepare vegan food. Madonna likes to prepare for her shows in the comfort of her own home – and she does just that. Backstage furniture is replaced with her own pieces, which are shipped from venue to venue.
7. Rihanna
According to a document released on the Smoking Gun, Rihanna reportedly insists on a relaxed atmosphere backstage, with requests for blue or black drapes, an animal print throw rug, dim lighting and six of her favourite Archipelago Black Forest candles. As for snacks, Rihanna shared some of her rider essentials on The Ellen Show. She asks for hot Cheetos, Oreos, cup noodles, cereal, wine, and vodka. We kinda wanna join you back there, RiRi.
8. The Rolling Stones
According to The Telegraph, the Rolling Stones have a standard list of rock band requests including alcohol, a never ending stock of cigarettes and butlers on hand 24 hours a day. But one demand on the list really shows the band’s age – Mick Jagger and co just want help working the TV. The Stones request a set of written instructions on how to use all the electronics, including lighting, air conditioning and DVD players.