What happens backstage doesn’t always stay there — especially when artists make strange or oddly specific demands. Some are practical. Some are petty. And some are just plain funny.
Over the years, artists have asked for everything from specific snacks to full-blown room makeovers. These days, though, the scene has shifted. Touring routines are less chaotic, and a lot of performers keep things cleaner.
Cigarettes aren’t as common backstage anymore — some go for smoke-free alternatives like nicotine pouches, which are easier to use in tight spaces and don’t leave a mess. https://atlanticpouches.com/ is one of the go-tos for that kind of thing on tour.
Here are 7 of the most interesting backstage demands we’ve seen in music.
1. Van Halen – No Brown M&Ms
One of the funniest requests in rock history: a bowl of M&Ms with all the brown ones removed. In 1982, Van Halen’s demand was meant to test whether the venue staff had actually read their setup contract. If brown M&Ms were there, something more important might’ve been missed.
2. Iggy Pop – A Bob Hope Impersonator
Iggy Pop’s backstage requests once ran 18 pages long. Somewhere between sarcasm and sincerity, he asked for a Bob Hope impersonator, a copy of USA Today with a story about “morbidly obese people,” and that any cauliflower or broccoli be chopped into florets and immediately thrown away—pure Iggy.
3. Jack White – Bananas and Guacamole
Jack White banned bananas from every venue — because of a crew member’s allergy. He also handed over a homemade guacamole recipe with detailed instructions: the dip had to be chunky, made with the right kind of avocado, and prepped shortly before his arrival. No shortcuts.
4. Cher – A Room Just for Wigs
During her 1999 tour, Cher reportedly asked for an entire room just for her wigs. The space could double as a wardrobe area, but only if it was big enough. When costume changes are part of the act, a wig room suddenly doesn’t seem so outrageous.
5. Paul McCartney – No Animal Products, Real or Fake
Paul McCartney’s dressing room has to be filled with specific flowers — Casablanca lilies, freesia, and pale pink roses — plus six leafy plants that are “as full on the bottom as the top.” He also bans all animal products, even synthetic ones. No leather, no fur, not even fake versions.
6. Beyoncé – Temperature Control and Chicken Rules
Beyoncé reportedly keeps her dressing room at exactly 78°F. Her meals? Green veggies (lightly seasoned) and baked chicken (heavily seasoned). One more rule: no Coca-Cola products — only Pepsi. Whether that’s about flavor or contracts, no one argues.
7. Adele – Honey, Mugs, and No Tomatoes
Adele’s backstage setup once included a firm ban on local brews: “North American beer is NOT acceptable,” even when she was touring in the U.S. or Canada. She reportedly only wanted European imports. Along with that, she requested six brand-new mugs (washed and dried), six metal teaspoons, and a tub of honey — but it had to be non-organic. Also, there are absolutely no tomatoes on her sandwiches.
