It’s no secret that rock bands tend to do some pretty wild and crazy things in their heyday. Indulging in a confectionary candy like taffy and toffee probably wasn’t the worst thing they did during their reigns of fame. Whether it was a specialty British chocolate or fruit-infused licorice, these front-men and their bandmates seem to have had their own quirky candy preferences. Enjoy reading about the Top Rock Legends and Their Favourite Candies!
Here’s a look at some of the biggest names in rock and roll and the sweet treats they couldn’t perform without.
Vince Neil (Motley Crue)
Vince Neil may have been a legendary rock god in the 1980s, but much less known was how he also had a serious sweet tooth. Before joining Motley Crue, Vince was in a band called Rock Candy. Yup, that’s right. The guy enjoyed confections so much that his first band was named after them. During his wild nights as a band member, Vince opened up his own restaurants and made sure that they are complete with a decadent array of candy sprinkled dessert offerings. Vince Neil is a self-proclaimed chocoholic. We can all probably agree that these chocolatey choices are healthier than the other libations and substances Motley Crue was well-known for enjoying in the hazy 80’s. Want more candy from the 80s? We've got you covered.
Gene Simmons (KISS)
It’s a well-known fact that Gene Simmons, also known as “The Demon”, had a slight obsession with fudge, chocolate, and anything with a glaze in his younger days, from chocolate-covered strawberries, jelly rolls, and even the age-old hostess snack banana twinkies. He once told celebrity chef Rachel Ray once: “I worship scones and danishes.” and is also quoted for saying, “I tolerate food. I love desserts.”
Fun fact: Gene Simmons discovered one of the other rock bands listed in this article, do you know which one? Find the answer down below!
David Lee Roth (Van Halen)
The venues Van Halen played in were always delighted with a sweet surprise with the band’s back-stage requests and antics. On top of the usual spread and music set-up, the members of the band would always demand a large bowl filled to the brim with M&Ms. The catch? No brown M&M’s were allowed. Legend has it that David Lee Roth, lead singer for Van Halen at the time, used this method to test the venue’s attention to detail. Talk about boy divas and their demands!
Van Halen wasn’t the only M&M lover we know. 90’s music sensations Eminem, Usher, and Britney Spears have also been known to pine for the multi-coloured chocolate confection!
The Beatles
When the Beatles ruled the music world, it was a much simpler time. And when the Fab Four from Liverpool went on tour, their backstage requests seemed to be just as simple. The only treats one of the greatest bands in history asked for were licorice, British chocolates, and a case of Coca Cola.
Songs About Candy
The band’s connection to candy didn’t end there. George Harrison actually wrote the song “Savoy Truffle” for his longtime pal, Eric Clapton, as an ode to the guitar god’s well-known sweet tooth. Some of the lyrics in the song include Creme Tangerine, Coconut Fudge, and Apple Tarts.
Do We Have to Sugar-Coat it For You?
Here are a few more candy cravers from the world of music.
Before 90’s thrasher band Slipknot went out to perform, they ordered one massive bag of assorted Starburst fruit chews for after the show. Madonna had an affinity for hot tamales, Taylor Swift digs Mars candy bars, Beyonce loves her Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Drake is the Yolo Rolo guy.
P.S. For those who read the entire article and are still curious, it was Van Halen that Gene Simmons discovered.