Ever wondered what your favorite artists specify in their riders? Take a look now!

[Flamsterette_X]

An Australian friend of mine gave me this link a few days ago. I didn’t do anything with it until this morning, when the boards were being slow. Then, I discovered it was a great way to pass the time! This is what he said when he gave it to me:

you might find this interesting… (considering you’re both a fan of rock music in general, and odd trivia…)

I wasn’t about to disagree with that!

You’ve all heard about those wacky riders that artists tack on to their performing contracts (and expect the promoter to meet all clauses), right? Documents that specify exactly what kind of water, beer, cigarettes, fruit, food, etc. should be given to the artist before they perform for the masses? Well, this site has a fair number of them. I’ve looked through some of them, and they’re pretty nutty!

I quote from the site:

Over the past couple of years, The Smoking Gun has published excerpts from the backstage riders of a few dozen performers. But that assemblage has not been extensive enough for demanding TSG visitors, so we’ve gone out and obtained loads of new riders. So many, in fact, that our backstage collection now covers a whopping 134 acts–everyone from Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones to Kenny G and KC & the Sunshine Band.

The contract rider includes specifications on stage design, sound systems, lighting rigs, as well as an artist’s wish list–from transportation and billing to dressing room accommodations and meals. In some cases, a promoter will refuse a demand (crossing out the request on the document), though stars usually get what they want, whether it’s clean boxer shorts (Jane’s Addiction), prune juice (Kansas), or an arrangement of tulips, roses, gardenias, and lilies (Janet Jackson).

For some groups, TSG has obtained riders from more than one tour, so we’ve chosen excerpts from the most entertaining document in the lot. In addition, we’ve used red arrows to point out some interesting sections on individual riders–though we’re sure you’ll find many other personal favorites. And since we’ve now built a permanent home for these backstage documents, we’ll add riders to this section as we obtain them, so check back to see what’s new.

So if you’re interested, check out:

The Smoking Gun: Backstage Pass

[scout1222]

Snoop Dogg wants a PlayStation (VERY IMPORTANT). Why am I not surprised?

Ah, being catered to at your every whim…

[Guinastasia]

I like Van Halen’s brown M&M clause-which was actually very common sense:

http://www.snopes2.com/music/artists/vanhalen.htm

[Flamsterette_X]

Well, the Red Hot Chili Peppers want a whole bunch of tube socks… gee, I really wonder what they’re going to do with them…

[Flamsterette_X]

Guin, I think This is Spinal Tap took a riff off the “Van Halen’s brown M&Ms” thing… I’m not too sure, but I can ask my brother!