Behind the Scenes: The Quirky World of Concert Riders

Touring can be a grueling experience for artists, filled with long hours of travel and anticipation leading up to their performances. To ensure that they are in the best possible state for their shows, artists often rely on a document known as a concert rider. This rider outlines specific requirements that must be met by the venue, covering everything from technical needs to personal preferences, all aimed at creating a comfortable environment for performers.

The concept of a concert rider serves as a crucial part of the agreement between artists and promoters. It is designed to eliminate misunderstandings and ensure that every aspect of a performance runs smoothly. While many riders include standard provisions such as load-in times and merchandise arrangements, some of the more memorable demands come from the artists themselves.

One of the most legendary riders belongs to the rock band Van Halen. Their infamous “no brown M&M’s” clause from 1982 has become a cultural touchstone in the music industry. The rider states: “All provisions must be adhered to strictly.” The stipulation regarding brown M&M’s was not a mere whim; it served as a test to ensure that the promoter had read the contract thoroughly. If the band found a brown M&M backstage, it signified that other crucial elements of the rider might have been overlooked.

The Foo Fighters also utilize their concert rider to gauge the attentiveness of promoters. For their 2011 tour, the rider spanned an impressive 52 pages, filled with not only food and drink requests but also amusing commentary and trivia. It included a coloring book and a word search, showcasing the band’s playful approach to their requirements.

In contrast, U2 and Coldplay maintain relatively straightforward requests. U2 typically asks for a selection of bottled beer and spirits, while Coldplay has a simple request: no American beer. The late David Bowie had specific needs as well, insisting on a dressing room temperature between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius.

The Barenaked Ladies have a particularly open-minded approach to their meals, stating, “We are open to your ideas,” while also making it clear what they do not want. Their rider humorously requests a variety of cuisines but specifically excludes chicken breast and vegetarian lasagna.

Some artists have more elaborate demands. For instance, Jane’s Addiction insisted on two black stretch limousines, a chiropractor, and a police escort, alongside a doctor with emergency privileges at the nearest hospital. Their rider highlights the often surreal demands that can accompany high-profile performances.

While Weezer specifies dietary restrictions due to allergies, they also detail their preferences, down to the brand of bread and chocolate they require. Similarly, Nine Inch Nails made headlines with their insistence on fine china and proper place settings, alongside an unusual request for two boxes of cornstarch marked as “very important.”

In high-altitude performances, Peter Gabriel requires oxygen and mandates that his pre-gig massages be conducted by women only. His rider specifies that these massages must occur at exactly 18:20 and last for one hour, reflecting the meticulous nature of some artists’ demands.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have a range of specific backstage requirements, while Duran Duran humorously indicates their desire for a sommelier to assist with their extensive wine and champagne needs, showcasing the opulent side of concert riders.

As artists continue to tour and connect with fans across the globe, the concert rider remains a fascinating insight into the unique and often eccentric requests that accompany their performances. These documents not only facilitate logistical arrangements but also reflect the personalities and preferences of the artists, making them an integral part of the concert experience.