We’ve looked at the strange and hilarious demands that musicians made in their tour riders before, and artist Henry Hargreaves brought those contractual requests to life in a new photo series. In the style of Old Master paintings, Hargreaves photographed the nibbles pop stars like to stuff their faces with. “I was inspired to create this series after reviewing a few riders from some of the biggest acts in the world, all of which were ridiculous,” the artist wrote for Vice. “What I found most interesting about them is that they offered a glimpse into their larger-than-life personalities.” It’s true. Sinatra lived on booze, New Kids on the Block eat like 12-year-old boys, Axl Rose’s cuisine also makes you want to punch him in the face, and Prince sips tea. Meanwhile, Billy Idol has danced with himself for so long, he’s resorted to chocolate chip cookies and a tub of butter to soothe his weary feet (and soul). Take a closer look in our gallery.
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Frank Sinatra: (One bottle each) Absolute, Jack Daniel’s, Chivas Regal, Courvoisier, Beefeater Gin, white wine, red wine. Twenty-four chilled jumbo shrimp, Life Savers, cough drops.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Rihanna: Hard-boiled eggs, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, at any time throughout the day. Please be prepared!”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Beyoncé: Juicy baked chicken, heavily seasoned: garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Beyoncé can only have Pepsi products.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Billy Idol: One tub I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Pepperidge Farm Soft Baked Nantucket Chocolate Chip Cookies.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Britney Spears: Fish and chips, McDonald’s cheeseburgers without the buns, 100 prunes and figs, a framed photo of Princess Diana.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Busta Rhymes: Twenty-four pieces of fried chicken, Rough Rider condoms, Guinness.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Foo Fighters: Big-ass kielbasas that make men feel self-conscious.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Lady Gaga: Small plate of cheese (nonsmelly, nonsweaty), on ice.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Mariah Carey: Cristal Champagne, bendy straws.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Marilyn Manson: Gummi bears.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Prince: Coffee and tea setup, including honey, lemon, sugar, cream, fresh ginger root. Physician will be used to administer a B-12 injection.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“New Kids on the Block: Häagen-Dazs ice cream, Oreo cookies.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Nine Inch Nails: Two boxes of corn starch.”
Photo credit: Henry Hargreaves
“Axl Rose: Fresh Wonder Bread (white), Dom Pérignon”