Backstage riders are items a band requests backstage before, during and after the show. Usually a cheese tray, meat tray, fruit tray, chips & dip, pop, beer and spirits. Pretty standard stuff.
But occasionally, the riders and their stories become legendary.
One of the most infamous is the "No green M&Ms" at an Aerosmith show in the early '80s. They asked if the promoter would actually take out the green M&Ms.
Apparently, they did.
Not to be outdone, here's a rider request from a 1982 Van Halen contract: "Warning: ABSOLUTELY NO BROWN M&MS", "herring in sour cream" and "1 Large Tube KY Jelly".
Here's a peek at some interesting rider requests from bands we know and love.
- Assortment of adult magazines (i.e. Penthouse, Playboy, etc.) - Guns 'N' Roses
- MASSAGE: A female; Must have a relaxing/deep muscle massage in a hippy style!!! Must be ready to DO Peter at 6:20 p.m. for 1 hour. - Peter Gabriel
- Two Boxes of Corn Starch (VERY IMPORTANT!) - Nine Inch Nails
- BACON VERY IMPORTANT THAT BACON BE AVAILABLE AT EVERY MEAL AND DURING THE DAY - Metallica
- All items in dressing room must be covered by clear plastic wrap until uncovered by main artist. This is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. - Prince
Arguably the best backstage rider ever is the list compiled by Dave Grohl with Foo Fighters for a show Feb. 25, 2000. Below are some of the demands.
The rider starts, "Dearest Reader, this rider is comprised of the things that make the band rock you like a proverbial hurricane! Please make every effort to provide the following list. Please do not surreptitiously back through things to save a buck or two. The silly items like gum and candy bars make a difference to these boys who are far way from their families and friends. The band travels on its stomach, just like Foreigner or Motorhead."
The list includes:
- Artist shall not be required to share dressing room with any other performer, except Supergrass, Oasis and maybe Led Zeppelin.
- Any graffiti or lewd artwork should be covered up or modified.
- Six packs of Marlboro Cigarettes in a box (if you choose to take some moral stance, a $20 US buyout must be submitted. Remember, you are promoting concerts, not saving whales).
- 4 pair medium boxer shorts.
- 4 pair white tube socks (US 10-13).
- A large assortment of small bottles of juices - orange, apple, berry and the like.
- 36 one litre bottles or Volvic water chilled on ice - please use Evian as a last resort!
- One half gallon container fresh squeezed orange juice on ice (Minute Maid pulp free is acceptable if your local juicer is lazy).
- 8 frozen microwave burritos (to be taken to the bus directly, so don't cook 'em!).
- One vegetable and cheese tray with hummus, pita and crackers (for 8 people). Remember, CAULIFLOWER BLOWS!
- One deli tray of various cheeses (Cheese, unlike humans, does not sweat). DAVE LOVES STINKY CHEESE.
- 6 cans of Boddington's (it's a beer).
- 4 Kinder eggs (ask a European friend for help).
- One pack of vegetarian meat (fake bacon, not dogs or turkey).
And the Foo Fighter rider wraps up with a sub-clause in the Security section: "Venue staff - The band like to have a nice, quiet backstage area. Purchaser is urged to ensure that all personnel are alert and of a professional attitude. Any autographs or photo requests BY PEOPLE SUPPOSEDLY ON THE CLOCK are frowned upon.
"Venue employees hanging out with no apparent job or making out with girlfriends or boyfriends (A.K.A. the town census backstage) is not fun for us either. Especially when people ARE PAID TO BE WORKING."
What outrageous things would be on your tour rider?
E-mail:thancock@cfox.com
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