SamboraBlog

Party bands of the rich and famous

By JACOB E. OSTERHOUT


Destiny's Child


Carrot Top


Modest Mouse


Ludacris

There are some tour dates that professional musicians do not list on their Web sites. But you can still get Destiny's Child to play a private gig - just ask the British billionaire who hired the R&B trio to serenade the guests at his son's bar mitzvah.
Curious to see what celebrity singers charge for their musical services, we called a select few booking agents to find out. Destiny's Child, we learned, can be had for a mere $850 grand. Here's what other top talent will cost you for your summer soiree.

BON JOVI

Cost
$850,000-$1 million

Pro
He's the perfect antidote for "Bad Medicine."

Con
There's a high likelihood your girlfriend will rekindle her high school crush on Jon.

Is it worth it?
Yes, especially if he brings groupies.

(FYI: JBJ by himself will play for $400,000 or so less, but it's not a party until Richie Sambora shows up.)

PAUL SIMON

Cost
$850,000-$1 million

Pro
Will provide plenty of "Kodachrome" moments.

Con
You can't exactly cut a rug to Simon's soft beats.

Is it worth it?
Only if Artie shows up, too.

BEASTIE BOYS

Cost
$500,000-$600,000

Pro
They know how to wow a bar mitzvah crowd and probably play a mean "Hava Nagila."

Con
Lines like "I did it with a whiffle ball bat" might be a little too racy for the more mature guests.

Is it worth it?
Yes, if the party's in the city and they play their old stuff - their real old stuff.

LUDICRIS

Cost
$100,000

Pro
No one throws down party beats like Ludi.

Con
Drug references won't be appropriate if your boss is present and neighbors might be annoyed by the stretch Hummer limo double-parked outside.

Is it worth it?
Hell, yeah! For a 10th of what you'd pay for Paul Simon, Ludacris and his whole posse will show up - you don't even have to invite guests.

MODEST MOUSE

Cost
$100,000

Pro
You can invite all your hipster friends.

Con
All your hipster friends will already be there.

Is it worth it?
No, save some money and see them in Central Park.

CARROT TOP

Cost
$45,000-$50,000

Pro
Umm...

Con
It'll be like watching bad TV commercial reruns.

Is it worth it?
What do you think?

Originally published on May 25, 2005