10 Outrageous Hard Rock Stories
6. Nina Simone - Champagne, Cocaine And Sausages
Nina Simone gave us some incredible music; she was known for speaking and singing her mind, protesting vehemently against racial injustice through her music.
Her records were boycotted in some southern states, with reports of them being destroyed and sent back to the manufacturer. This didn’t deter Simone from doing what she believed in. During the 1970s, Simone had a warrant issued for her arrest when, in protest against the Vietnam War, she refused to pay her taxes. Around this time she was also having an affair with the Prime Minister of Barbados. Yep, this women was a badass.
One story that particularly stands out about the Sinnerman singer is recounted by Warren Ellis from the Bad Seeds In the 2014 music doc-drama, 20,000 Days on Earth.
Ellis sits down with his musical partner Nick Cave to swap rock stories and recounts a backstage meeting with Simone. According to Ellis, a disgruntled Simone was alone in her dressing room, when a stage hand, whilst trying to console her, asked if she had any requests. Simone burst out with a short list of demands, “I want some champagne, some cocaine and some sausages!”
This woman knew what she wanted, and wasn't afraid to ask for it.