Backstage With Gnarls Barkley

AUGUST 16--When Gnarls Barkley performs tomorrow night at the SummerStage concert series in New York's Central Park, groupies will be relieved to know that at least one of the band's two frontmen will be practicing safe sex backstage. According to the rap duo's tour rider (excerpts from which you'll find below), one dressing room must be outfitted with a box of Magnum condoms, Swisher Sweets blunts, and bottles of Hennessy and Grey Goose. The rider does not indicate whether the well-stocked playpen will be occupied by Cee-Lo (real name: Thomas Callaway) or partner Danger Mouse (real name: Brian Burton). While no prophylactics are supplied in Dressing Room #2, there will be plenty of booze, soft drinks, baked goods, and munchies. And a pack of white athletic socks. For hip-hop fans keeping score at home, the demand for the oversized Magnum condoms (15 percent larger that normal rubbers!) appears to one up the birth control requirements of lesser stars like 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes. In addition to backstage demands, the rider also details the group's lodging and air travel requirements. (4 pages)