:: 'And a basket of puppies please' - bizarre pop star demands

The Vicar knows that our pop stars are a deeply special, essential and limitlessly lovable group of demi-gods. And as such, it is vital they have every desire fulfilled without delay or question. But sometimes, that's more of a challenge to their minions than is entirely reasonable. For example, Jane's Addiction, on a tour of America, asked for a room with an "earthy, velvet/velour-type atmosphere." They also asked for washing machines and a room to jam in for two hours before going on stage - which had to have a "contemporary black leather atmosphere with potted indoor plants."

Pop icon Madonna once demanded - and got - her hotel room painted in a different colour. Meanwhile one opera star - sadly anonymous - told her promoters that her dressing room was not big enough. Consequently a wall had to be knocked down and the room rebuilt. With some stars, no is simply not an answer they want to hear.

US singer Christina Aguilera insists on different types of Flintstone sweets wherever she goes. American group Korn, meanwhile, ask that a "rock-friendly" lawyer, doctor and dentist be present at all times.

US rock band Limp Bizkit insist that all the lamps in their rooms be dimmable, while Mariah Carey insists on having bendy straws as she will not use straight ones. And rockers Van Halen insist that back-stage celery is trimmed and not peeled. Smaller bands can be demanding too. British band Mogwai once asked for a framed picture of Star Wars' Princess Leia.

Moby, meanwhile, is particularly keen on fresh underwear being available for the end of his sets. In fact, socks are very popular on riders for many acts at festivals - due in part to the conditions the bands are often playing in.

As well as demanding a plain dressing room - so his dedicated fan club can turn up and decorate it - American crooner Barry Manilow requests that the air temperature in the auditorium be kept at a regular 65 degrees.

Not all stars are so demanding, however.

US singer Beck, for example, contents himself with two packs of rice cakes, a container of hummus, bottles and cans of water, and some plain yoghurt.

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