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The 30 Most Absurd Celebrity Riders of All Time

December 5, 2022, 10:06 AM

<p>Ask and you shall receive—at least when it comes to celebrity riders (a list of demands stars write into their performance contracts). From Justin Timberlake's ridiculous request to have doorknobs cleaned to Beyoncé needing her dressing room set to a very specific temperature, these are the most outrageous requirements.</p>

<p>For Adele, it was very important that she receive <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/adele-2011-rider?page=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:one pack of Marlboro Lights" class="link ">one pack of Marlboro Lights </a>and a lighter, as was included in her rider for the “Adele 21” tour. She also requested she be given two bottles of "the best quality Californian red wine and one bottle of the best quality Californian Sauvignon Blanc white wine (chilled). NO CHARDONNAY!" </p>

<p>When he was first starting his career in 2010, Bieber’s riders were simple: lots of <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/justin-bieber-rider?page=2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:snack food" class="link ">snack food</a>. Now, eight years later, Bieber’s riders include <a href="https://twitter.com/arjun_s_ravi/status/859626009984991232/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftribune.com.pk%2Fstory%2F1400900%2Fnot-just-justin-bieber-ridiculous-demands-made-celebs-tour-will-shock%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:10 luxury Sedans" class="link ">10 luxury Sedans</a>, a massage table, and a private jet on standby for any of his travel desires.</p>

<p>Don't bring Coca-Cola products near Queen Bey, as she’s in a contract with Pepsi and drinking anything else would break it. Also requested in her hospitality rider: heavily seasoned, baked chicken legs, breasts, and wings (don’t forget to the hot sauce). And as if performing didn’t make her sweat, Beyoncé likes the temperature in her dressing room to be set to <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/beyonce-knowles-rider" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:78 degrees" class="link ">78 degrees</a> at all times.</p>

<p>The singer really <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/divas/christina-aguilera-0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:hates traffic" class="link ">hates traffic</a>, so to bypass any on her way to a venue, she requests a police escort, adding that “under no circumstances are the vehicles to be allowed to encounter any delays due to traffic.”</p>

<p>Among his <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/hip-hop/drake" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:list of requests while on tour" class="link ">list of requests while on tour</a>, Drake’s weirdest is four dozen natural-scented incense sticks. Less surprising: a *ton* of alcohol, including bottles of Hennessy or Courvoisier, Patron Silver Tequila, Grey Goose Vodka, Jack Daniels, and Heineken.</p>

<p> Swift loves her <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/taylor-swift-rider" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Starbucks" class="link ">Starbucks</a> so much that her very specific order has to be delivered to her before 11 a.m. The order includes 1 Grande ICED Caramel Latte with 2 Sweet-N-Lows, 1 Grande ICED Americano with 2 Sweet-N-Lows and soy milk, and 1 slice of Pumpkin loaf.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wetpaint.com/outrageous-diva-demands-contracts-riders-570541/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Post 2014 break up" class="link ">Post 2014 break up</a> with Justin Bieber, Gomez had declared no one she worked with could go by the name “Justin.” Apparently quite a few crew members had the name and therefore were given different monikers during her time of mourning. Other than that one strange request, Gomez just needs <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/765979/selena-gomez-s-tour-rider-revealed-what-food-does-she-eat-on-the-road" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:chicken pot pie and pickles" class="link ">chicken pot pie and pickles</a>.</p>

<p>During her “Last Girl on Earth” world tour in 2010, Rihanna’s rider included <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/rihanna-10-rider?page=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:one large fur rug" class="link ">one large fur rug</a> (preferably animal-printed) for her to walk on barefoot. Apparently she was also very big into curtains, specifically blue or black with “icy-blue chiffon” and white curtains to cover any lockers or bricks.</p>

<p>The “Sexy Back” singer is very health conscious and, according to his rider, he requires someone to <a href="http://www.goliath.com/music/10-outrageous-contract-demands-made-by-musicians/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:disinfect the doorknobs" class="link ">disinfect the doorknobs</a> of any backstage venue or hotel he's in every two hours. On top of that, it’s necessary for him to have the elevator to himself and an entire floor of a hotel.</p>

<p>It’s <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/divas/jennifer-lopez-0#lightbox-popup-1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:all-white everything" class="link ">all-white everything</a> for Lopez. Her rider says all objects, from the curtains down to the candles, must be the creamy shade.</p>

<p>The “Extraterrestrial” singer is a little <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/katy-perry-rider-2011?page=2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:extra with her food requests" class="link ">extra with her food requests</a>. Perry’s snack list is complete with unsweetened, dried apples and pears, and lightly salted, dry-roasted edamame. And if you ever plan to send Perry flowers, under absolutely no circumstances should they be carnations.</p>

<p>In his spring 2009 production rider, the rapper demanded that he have <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/jay-z-09-rider?page=2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:seven dressing rooms" class="link ">seven dressing rooms</a> (one for every day of the week maybe?). And Jay-Z was also in need of some “good quality peanut butter” and “good quality jelly” to, you know, make some really bomb PB&J sandwiches in his down time.</p>

<p>For a tour, Carey requested a bottle of Cristal champagne, complete <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/divas/mariah-carey-0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:with bendy straws for sipping" class="link ">with bendy straws for sipping</a>. Oh, and she was also in need of a person whose sole purpose was to throw away her gum.</p>

<p>At the top of Joe Jonas’ rider: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3732690/12-puppies-Tim-Tams-meat-pies-Joe-Jonas-reveals-wacky-backstage-demands-lists-iconic-local-treats-favourites.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:12 puppies" class="link ">12 puppies</a>. He revealed that it’s been on his rider for a while, but this is the one thing he doesn't always get. He said only occasionally will “a city will show up with 12 puppies" for him. Other than that, he just wants beer and meat pies.</p>

<p>In one of his previous tours, Kanye <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/kanye-west-rider?page=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:bolded the most important things" class="link ">bolded the most important things</a> to him on his rider. Chief among the requested: Carmex chapstick, Sunkist salted pistachios, bottles of Propel Water, and booze—a bottle of Hennessy, Skyy or Absolut Vodka, Patron Silver Tequila, and four 6-packs of Heineken. During his “Saint Pablo” tour, Kanye’s wife Kim Kardashian, posted a photo of <a href="http://www.complex.com/music/2016/09/kanye-west-saint-pablo-tour-rider" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:alcohol-infused slushie machines" class="link ">alcohol-infused slushie machines</a> in his dressing room, and we can only assume that means they were put there by demand.</p>

<p>Gaga has made some pretty unusual requests, one being a mannequin with "<a href="http://www.celebuzz.com/photos/lady-gagas-rider-and-lavish-expenditures/lady-gagas-rider-and-lavish-expenditures-1/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:puffy pink public hair" class="link ">puffy pink public hair</a>” (we think she meant <em>pubic</em> hair, but hey, who knows!) for her “Monster Ball” tour. She also was in need of some extra long straws and lots of tea—as any true fan knows, she’s obsessed with it.</p>

<p>Hart’s request could be the most absurd yet. He asked to have <a href="http://thesmokinggun.com/file/kevin-hart-rider?page=6" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:five women" class="link ">five women</a> between the ages of 21-27 “with an athletic/sexy build” at the venue one hour ahead of time and to stay one hour after. The ridiculous rider said T-shirts and tights would be provided to the women and the only “sizes are x-small, small, and medium.”</p>

<p>During her performance in London’s O2 Arena, Spears requested that a framed photo of Princess Diana be hung in her dressing room because, <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/britney-spears-back-to-best-with-a-wacky-88222" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:reportedly," class="link ">reportedly, </a>"Britney adores the monarchy. Diana was in many ways her inspiration." She also really wanted some McDonald’s cheeseburgers...but hold the buns.</p>

<p>Before she was to appear on a Russian talk show, Lohan sent a list of demands, one of which included <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-3752784/Lindsay-Lohan-wants-meet-Putin-Russian-TV-host-says.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin" class="link ">meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>. She also requested she be given a one-year visa, private jet, and $650,000 for her appearance on the show.</p>

<p>Supposedly, Clooney requested a hot tub, <a href="https://moviepilot.com/posts/2822175" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:custom-made beach hut" class="link ">custom-made beach hut</a>, and basketball court to be installed near his trailer while making the movie <em>Gravity</em>.</p>

<p>She’s apparently <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/mary-j-blige-rider?page=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:not a fan of public toilets" class="link ">not a fan of public toilets</a>. Her rider states she needs her own private one, complete with new seat. Plus, any hotel she stays in must have king-sized beds, because “twin beds are unacceptable.”</p>

<p>Her biggest request, and we mean biggest as in number, was <a href="http://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/the-20-craziest-tour-riders-in-music-history/marilyn-manson" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:a 200-person entourage" class="link ">a 200-person entourage</a>. Oh, and she’s adamant about her backstage room resembling her own personal home, with flower-scented fabric furniture</p>

<p>The rapper could care less about the furniture is his dressing room—his rider only lays out <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/eminem-rider-2010" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:what food he should have" class="link ">what food he should have</a>. And he’s a kid at heart, requesting 6 Lunchables—3 turkeys and 3 hams if we’re being specific. He must also have a love for Diet Coke, because he needed 24 cans and 24 plastic bottles of it.</p>

<p>The singer needs a lot of alcohol to be stocked in his dressing room, including <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/ne-yo/ne-yo-cleans-clothes-with-ketel-one-756920" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:a bottle of Ketel One" class="link ">a bottle of Ketel One</a>. But this isn’t the kind of vodka for drinking. Ne-Yo requested a bottle for the sole purpose of using it to clean things, though the rider didn’t specify what things that would be.</p>

<p>Cher and her managers don’t wear backstage passes. End of story. Her rider points out that people should familiarize themselves with their faces because they won’t be wearing them. Oh, and she’ll take <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/divas/cher-0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:one separate room for all her wigs" class="link ">one separate room for all her wigs</a> too.</p>

<p>The “Purple Rain” singer made one of the biggest requests to date in 2007, asking the venue’s owner to build him <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-472486/Princes-biggest-diva-demand-Build-home-Dome.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:a luxury five-bedroom home" class="link ">a luxury five-bedroom home</a> near the O2 Arena in London. In <a href="https://tonedeaf.com.au/princes-outrageous-backstage-demands/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:his 2004 rider" class="link ">his 2004 rider</a> he required that “all items in dressing room must be covered by clear plastic wrap until uncovered by main artist. This is absolutely necessary.”</p>

<p>Per her rider, Houston requested that she be transported in an “armored” <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/whitney-houston-rider?page=7" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mercedes Benz" class="link ">Mercedes Benz</a> or BMW 740.</p>

<p>The now-split boy band had some pretty fun requests for their 2015 “On the Road Again” tour, including a fridge stocked with beer at all times, lots of KFC, <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/one-direction-tour-rider-201537" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:a ping-pong table" class="link ">a ping-pong table</a>, and soft toilet paper. This all seems pretty doable compared to what other celebrities have asked for.</p>

<p>Like many of the roles he takes on, Ferrell has some pretty funny requests—and we’re not sure if they were to be taken seriously. Items included an electric three wheel mobility scooter, <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/comedy/will-ferrell-0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:a flight of stairs on wheels" class="link ">a flight of stairs on wheels</a>, a fake tree on wheels, and a rainbow on wheels. We’re seeing the pattern here.</p>

<p>Quite the opposite of Rihanna, McCartney requested <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/paul-mccartney?page=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:all items be animal-free" class="link ">all items be animal-free</a>, including food, materials, and prints (no plush fur rug for him). His rider states that “there will be no meat, or meat by-products allowed to be served in the dressing rooms, production office, or areas within the 'backstage area.'” If he’s not eating meat, no one can.</p>

The 30 Most Absurd Celebrity Riders of All Time

Ask and you shall receive—at least when it comes to celebrity riders (a list of demands stars write into their performance contracts). From Justin Timberlake's ridiculous request to have doorknobs cleaned to Beyoncé needing her dressing room set to a very specific temperature, these are the most outrageous requirements.

Christopher Polk - Getty Images

These are the most insane requests straight from celebrity riders.

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