Fun, Fascinating, and Crazy Tour Rider Demands from Superstars

Posted by myPPK™ - Power Press Kits™ on Saturday, August 27, 2022

A Tour Rider is a document that includes a set of rules that a performer sets as criteria for a performance and sends to venues in advance of their performance. This includes all requests or demands either for the artist’s comfort or the technical details needed to perform.

In addition to containing important technical information regarding the setup of equipment, tour riders contain a hospitality section where artists layout their creature-comfort demands. Over the decades, this portion of the rider has become somewhat of an unspoken competition between artists to demand some of the most fun, fascinating, compelling, ridiculous, eclectic, outrageous, and even salacious things that we common folk could ever imagine.

VAN HALEN

No tour rider list would be complete without the famed Van Halen M&M’s clause. The band had a clause deep in their tour rider to have a bowl of M&M's in their room with all of the brown M&M's removed. Seemingly crazy, the “brown M&M” clause actually was a test to see whether the promoter had read the entire details of the contract. Reading the “fine print” was important because the contract was, in effect, a checklist of steps that needed to be taken to set up the stage safely. If the directions weren’t followed exactly, people could be injured. The band knew, upon arrival, that if brown M&M's were in the bowl, the crew hadn't carefully read the entire contract and that they had better do some serious line checks before taking the stage.

Their list also is as rock star as one would expect, including: 1 large tube of KY jelly (don’t ask), 3 packs of Marlboro cigarettes (box), Herring in sour cream, 2 gallons non-carbonated bottled spring water, 3 fifths Jack Daniels Black Label bourbon, 2 fifths Stolichnaya vodka, 1 pint Southern Comfort, and 2 bottles Blue Nun white wine.

RIHANNA

Rihanna is rather particular in her tour rider regarding candles, flowers, and seating in her dressing room. A six-foot couch needs to be "White, Cloth, Plush (No leather)" and "wide enough for her to stretch out on and sometimes take a nap." Animal print throw pillows ("Cheetah, Leopard") cannot have sequins.

Since Rihanna's arena dressing-room areas are often locker rooms which are normally occupied by basketball and hockey players, the spaces need to be spruced up with "Icy Blue Chiffon" placed atop drapery and "Archipelago Black Forest Candles." The bathroom must be "spotless," and the toilet has to be deep cleaned prior to the star's arrival.

Rihanna also requires a large throw rug (plush, with an animal print) in her dressing room. The rug, her rider notes, "must be CLEAN, as she will walk on it barefoot."

HANSON

When we think of the Hanson boys, we often remember their debut as the cute little M-Bop kids. Well they grew up. Now Isaac, Taylor, and Zac request that a cold case of beer is waiting for them in their dressing room. And not just any beer. They specify Corona, Newcastle, Coors, and Rocky Mountain brew Fat Tire Pale Ale. But when it's time to plug in and perform, the beer is to be removed and replaced with "one half-gallon soy milk."

MARIA CAREY

We all pretty much expect Maria to be the consummate diva and she doesn’t disappoint in her tour rider. The list includes eight "tall, leafy plants," Joe Malone vanilla candles, two vases of white roses, and drapes around every perimeter. Each room must be draped. Black drapes are fine. The entry door should open into the living room space, not the dressing room. Temperature should be about 75 degrees. 1 Three Seat Couch — Plain Color, no busy patterns; black, dark grey, cream, dark pink are fine. 12 1 Liters of Fiji Water, 3 Bottles Chardonnay — Chilled, 6 Sparkling Water (Pellegrino), 12 Melon Flavor Gatorade, 2 Vases White Roses, Fried Chicken (warm), 3 Whole lemons and honey, and Sugarless gum.

KEVIN HART

Kevin likes his vodka. According to his tour rider, promoters must provide him with eight bottles of Ciroc vodka, two-each flavored with peach, coconut, amaretto, and pineapple. Hart’s alcohol requirements also include two bottles of Patron Silver tequila, two bottles of D’Usse cognac, and two bottles of Luc Belaire sparkling wine. Hart doesn’t drink alone though. He requires 50 shots glasses be available.

Hart also has a human requirement for the dressing room: “Five (5) females ages between 21-27 with athletic/sexy build.” The women must be “go-getters and be very approachable/attractive” and have previously worked events with large crowds. “Payment will be $150 per girl, per show,” the rider notes. Additionally, the women – who apparently handle promotional chores – are provided with shirts and tights that are available in only x-small, small, or medium sizes.

ALICIA KEYS

Keys tour rider requests chocolate almond milk, tuna sandwiches, and specific Glade candle scents. 10 Nutri-Grain Bars (Blueberry, Cherry, Apple, Strawberry), 6 Individual Packets of Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal (Brown Sugar and Apple Cinnamon), 1 Assorted Fruit Platter with strawberries, seedless red grapes, bananas, mango, blueberries, cantaloupe and raspberries, 2 Cases of beer (one imported and one domestic; brands preferred: Amstel Light, Corona, Bud, Bud Light or local beer), and 3 menus for local seafood and Italian restaurants to order meals for Alicia.

PRINCE

Prince had on his 2004 tour rider that “all items in dressing room must be covered by clear plastic wrap until uncovered by main artist. This is absolutely necessary.” Additionally, the list included Yogi cocoa tea and the soothing aroma of jasmine and lavender candles.

MARY J BLIGE

This R&B legend will not use a "public" toilet at all. Her rider list requires a "private toilet (with new toilet seat)." Also 2 Humidifiers, 10 medium prewashed bath sized towels, NO DAIRY OR PORK OF ANY KIND!! 10 1.5-liter bottles of FIJI water (absolutely, positively must be FIJI), 6 cans of Diet Dr. Pepper, 6 cans of Schweeps Ginger Ale, 2 packs of Mentos — cinnamon fresh only, 6 cans of Red Bull energy drink.

FOO FIGHTERS

Dave Grohl and The Foo Fighters have quite a sense of humor when it comes to penning their tour rider. The rockers are known for sneaking jokes into their list of demands. In 2011, the rider was a 52-page coloring book theme complete with a word search and a maze. It also contained a list of non-permitted items in the venue which included "light sabers" and "garden gnomes." The document includes a wildly entertaining ‘Field Guide to Food: Coloring Book and Activity Pages’ section along with a detailed outline of their food requirements with hilarious jokes and references littered throughout. A drawing of a sandwich with a pile of rocks is branded "Lame Entree," while a steak and baked potato sketch is described as an "Awesome Entree."

LADY GAGA

Mother Monster parties with blenders. Gaga gets an entire smoothie station in her dressing room. The list also includes 2 Bottles of white wine with wine opener — Kendall Jackson or Robert Mondavi preferred, 1 Cushioned office style chair, 4 Unscented candles, Cool-mist humidifier, 3 fans, Tea kettle, organic ginger and lemongrass tea and honey are very important, 1 4 pack of Red Bull Light (on ice), 1 Container of Guacamole, Hot dogs (Yves veggie dogs eaten with toothpicks), and 1 Plate of cheese (non-smelly, non-sweaty on ice) with whole wheat/healthy crackers.

JENNIFER LOPEZ

J-Lo is the diva one may expect in her tour rider, demanding a 45-foot (40-foot minimum) trailer with two slide-outs and two entry doors including a hair sink and make-up station. The trailer must be furnished all in white from top to bottom — flowers, tablecloths, drapery, couches, candles… everything. And no catering in the actual dressing room. Flowers to include yellow roses with red trim, white lilies, and white roses.

LARRY THE CABLE GUY

His tour rider tour rider calls out for some Prilosec OTC heartburn medicine. No wonder based on the rest of the list! The “Cable Guy Dressing Room” needs to be stocked with: 50 “Hooters style” chicken wings with blue cheese dressing, “4 cans of Skoal/Berry Blend Long Cut Tobacco (purple can), Deli tray with turkey, ham, roast beef, salami, and various cheeses, “(6) grilled chicken breasts”, 12 bottles of beer, 4 cans of Red Bull, Peanut butter and jelly, “(1) one loaf of wheat bread (or rolls, croissants, etc.)”.

Contract documents show that the comedian receives a guarantee of $155,000 per gig (though his final fee could be higher based on strong ticket sales). Promoters are directed to make Larry’s check payable, of course, to Git-R-Done Productions, Inc.

KANYE WEST

Kanye’s list is a bit eclectic, indeed. It includes imported and recut Versace towels, for starters. "What else would he wipe his brow with during a performance?" says Ray Rahman at Entertainment Weekly. But more unusual is his requirement that any chauffeur who drives him wear only 100 percent cotton clothes. "No man-made fibers." He is also apparently very concerned with moisturizing. His room must be stocked with Neutrogena, Nivea, and L’Occitane products? Though the metrosexual rapper’s preferred toothpaste and deodorant brand, Arm & Hammer, is less impressive.

ERIC CLAPTON

While many younger artists demand large dressing rooms furnished and outfitted for their entourage and multiple gaming stations, Eric Clapton just wants a little space where he can set up the Foosball table he packs with him while on the road. Additionally: Orange juice, milk, coke and diet coke, 48 bottles of Corona beer, 2 bottles of white wine, 2 bottles of red wine, 2 bottles of Smirnoff vodka, hot tea with honey and lemons, 100 plastic solo cups and more.

AC/DC

Not exactly spring chickens anymore, this band’s tour rider requires the provision of three oxygen tanks and three masks for their 2008 tour. The rocker’s alcohol requirement consists of one case of Heineken in bottles although the rider notes, "no beer in dressing room prior to show." The list also includes a small selection of "fun size" candy bars and an assortment of imported cheese, crackers (of course, "English cheeses and water crackers preferred"), and two live potted trees (height depending on ceiling).

BEYONCE’

Queen Bey has her list of demands as one would expect. Along with a VIP dressing room maintained at 78 degrees, the singer requires a "private bathroom that's cleaned with disinfectant & anti-bacteria products before she arrives." That’s not too much to ask. Her primary food preference is "Juicy Baked Chicken: Legs, Wings & Breast only" seasoned with "fresh garlic, season salt, black pepper, and Cayenne pepper HEAVILY SEASONED!!". Spicy!

For beverages, the star's cola endorsement deal limits her choices: "Beyonce can only have Pepsi products. There cannot be any competitors’ products anywhere she or her entourage may be photographed." However, she is still allowed to drink Snapple products, which are produced by Cadbury Schweppes--and apparently not a threat to PepsiCo.

ADELE

Adele’s rider states that guests receiving complimentary tickets will be asked for a minimum charitable contribution of $20 (in cash) “when they collect their tickets” at the box office. The rider makes it clear that recipients of free tickets--provided by Adele herself, concert promoters, or venue staff--do not have a choice to opt out of donating if they plan on attending a show. “There will be no exception to this rule,” the document notes. The cash collected at Adele show’s is earmarked for Sands, a UK-based charity dedicated to “supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby and promoting research to reduce the loss of babies’ lives.” The British singer-songwriter has toured this year in support of “21,” her second album.

She’s not all fluffy puppies and rainbows, however. Her tour rider also includes a pack of Marlboro Lights and a disposable lighter, an assortment of chewing gum, and a small plate of “freshly made, individually wrapped sandwiches” that “must NOT contain tomatoes, vinegar, chili or citrus fruit.” Adele asks that her tour bus be stocked with “bite-size” chocolate bars including Twix, Aero, Milky Way, and Mars. She also wants some organic muesli and six “Cereal bars.” The singer also requires two bottles of the “very best quality red wine” and 12 bottles of “best quality European lager beer (i.e. Becks, Stella Artois, Peroni etc.). North American beer is NOT acceptable.”

MADONNA

Madonna traveled with an entourage of 200 people including 30 bodyguards, an acupuncturist, a yoga instructor, an on-site dry cleaner and several personal chefs. Her backstage tour rider demands are equally lavish including 20 international phone lines in her dressing room, for the furniture to be draped in special fabric and decorated with lilies and white and pink roses with their stems cut to exactly six inches. She also demands a brand-new toilet seat for every venue. While on the road Madonna likes to take her home with her. All hotel furniture must be removed and replaced with the furniture that she has shipped around the world wherever she goes.

JOHN MAYER

The legendary guitarists backstage tour rider includes thinly sliced meat, soy milk, and an organic fruit bowl. Promoters must also provide musician with four "soft head" toothbrushes, a bottle of Listerine, two small tubes of mint-flavored toothpaste (Sensodyne or Tom's of Maine), and two packages of Altoids breath mints. Mayer also requires four organic lip balms and some Gold Bond powder, a copy of the New York Times and one box of a "Kids Brand Cereal" (either Cap'n Crunch, Count Chocula, Lucky Charms, Cookie Crisp, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch).

[Sources include The Smoking Gun and others]

Categories: Fun Facts

Tagged: Music, Fun Facts