In the world of entertainment, nothing is ever as it appears. Latest case in point: celebrity rock stars aren't the bratty lot they'd like the world to think they are. Gone are the days of trashing hotel rooms, throwing televisions out of balconies onto unsuspecting fans below, and biting off bat heads on stage. The truth is, only 'real' rock stars get down and dirty. For film stars, isn't singing a vanity project anyway?
This week The Smoking Gun published the production riders of a number of celebrity rock bands. The details of their catering needs are disappointingly ho-hum. Fans expect outlandish behaviour so hearing that chicken soup fulfills Keanu Reeves' deepest needs is shocking.
Once upon a time, rumours abounded that Christina Aguilera didn't want regular folk to make eye contact with her or to speak to her directly unless she spoke to them first. Plus, she needed a freshly stocked supply of jelly beans in her room at all times. Her latest demands haven't been revealed but her behaviour points to a yawning chasm. Maybe if you're an actor first and a singer second, you play it safe?
Consider: When Keanu Reeves plays with Dogstar he wants, "One large pot of hot soup (vegetable or chicken); one large bag of Tortilla chips and salsa... Assorted Snapple drinks." Snooze. Dogstar's requests seem to be rooted in the 1980s.
Actor Jared Leto asks for "Take-out food for ten (10) people...Taco Bell, pizza are fine."). Yummy.
The ageless Dennis Quaid survives on, surprisingly, no sustenance whatsoever. For his band, The Sharks, he requested "Assorted Herbal Teas...Hot Water...honey, lemon slices."
Finally, the Steven Seagal Band (yes, he's in a band) rider are an extremely dehydrated bunch. They requested "36 cans of Red Bull; Fresh coffee and selection of tea; 2 bottles of Red Wine (Bordeaux); 2 botles of White Wine; 2 cases of soft drinks; 24 small bottles of Penta mineral water; 24 small bottles of sparkling mineral water; 12 X Beer (premium); and 6 litres of 100% orange juice." Oh and one bottle of mouthwash.
These restrained requests only heighten our appreciation and love of celebrities. Kudos for keeping it real.
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