People, People Who Need ……Fabric Upholstery

Britain is bracing for a concert tour by Barbara Streisand. But I really am not sure if they are ready for what is about to hit them. The Daily Mail is incredulous at the demands that Streisand has in her "tour rider ", but they only looked at a few things. It actually gets worse.

The legendary singer, who turned 65 this week, is lined up to play a series of gigs at the Millenium Dome now called The O2 Venue in July, with tickets expected to be priced at a staggering £200 a time.

Her return which is expected to become a sell-out within minutes of the tickets going on sale, is likely to be a memorable night - but spare a thought for the staff who will charged with attending to her exacting demands, which could set new standards for diva like on British shores.

When she appeared in Philadelphia to relaunch her live career in September, she insisted on a police dog unit sweeping the auditorium before her sound check, not to mention metal detectors at every door.

The so-called 'rider' which contains all her back-stage requirements from the US gig, which was posted on an American website, included astonishingly detailed information down to the detail of the upholstery on the sofas.

Streisand, who has recorded over 60 albums and her team required five living room sets - fabric covered - "no vinyl please", ten floor lamps "Torchierre style", 35 folding banquet tables and 150 folding chairs.

There was also detailed information about the number and type of locks on the doors, although organisers at the venue were warned that her production team would also need 120 bath sized towels "immediately upon arrival". (Ed Note: Apparently, she travels with 1/3 of  the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Who knew?)

But, as I said, it actually gets worse. Worse even than the hygienically challenged Sheryl Crow's big, old carbon generating tours. Because Streisand makes Crow look like a complete amateur. No Kidding . 

Thirteen - or fourteen - semis. Four vans. Fourteen buses. And a limo. Hello, carbon factory! I cannot wait for Babs to lecture about global warming! I wonder if she'll demand a latte as well. Or if it will be provided free of charge.