The Rolling Stones And The Bizarre Food Demands On Their 1981 Tour

April 3, 2025

In the summer of 1981, The Rolling Stones embarked on a tour that would go down in history not just for their electrifying performances, but also for the peculiar food demands that had everyone buzzing. Fans flocked to the stadiums, eager to see the legendary rock band live, unaware that behind the scenes, a culinary circus was unfolding. The Stones, known for their wild lifestyle and rockstar excess, were notorious for having extravagant requests, but this tour took things to another level that would leave a lasting impression on the band, their crew, and even their fans.

Mick Jagger, the band’s charismatic frontman, had always been a bit of a foodie, but on this tour, his requests grew more eccentric. He insisted on having fresh sushi flown in from Japan, prepared by a master chef who accompanied the tour. Keith Richards, on the other hand, was less picky but demanded his beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but only if they were served on artisanal bread. The band was even known to request bizarre snacks like “blue jellybeans” and “mushroom tea” that left the crew baffled. A few of the tour managers joked that they’d never seen such a bizarre menu, but they knew that catering to the whims of rock legends was part of the job.

As the tour rolled on, these food demands quickly became a source of stress and laughter. Backstage, the kitchen became a hive of activity, with chefs scrambling to keep up with orders that seemed more suited for a fancy restaurant than a rock concert. The crew, while often exhausted from the grueling schedule, found camaraderie in their shared mission to satisfy the band’s cravings. They learned to improvise, blending local delicacies with the band’s outrageous requests. It became a game to see who could come up with the most ridiculous concoction that might just please Mick or Keith.

Amidst the chaos of food, the music soared. The Rolling Stones filled stadiums with their timeless hits, and the energy of the crowd fueled their performances. It was evident to everyone that the band poured their hearts into every song, making it easy to forget about the bizarre demands. Despite the culinary circus, the music brought people together, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Jagger’s infectious energy, combined with Richards’ guitar riffs, reminded fans why they fell in love with rock and roll in the first place.

The strange food requests might have seemed trivial, but they revealed the unique personalities and quirks of the band members. Each outrageous demand was not just about the food; it was an expression of their individuality and an illustration of the freedom they enjoyed in their careers. As the tour progressed, the band members embraced their eccentricities, and the crew learned to find joy in the unpredictability of life on the road. Instead of letting stress drag them down, they turned the absurdity into laughter, forging bonds that would last beyond the tour.

In the end, the 1981 tour became a testament to The Rolling Stones’ resilience and passion for music. The band navigated the ups and downs of the road with humor and creativity, proving that in the world of rock and roll, anything was possible. The bizarre food demands may have been a quirk of their lifestyle, but they served as a reminder of the importance of individuality and the joy that comes from embracing life’s unexpected moments. As the tour concluded, fans weren’t just left with memories of incredible concerts; they also carried the spirit of a band that danced to the beat of its own drum, no matter how strange the rhythm might be.