Ongoing History Daily: The best concert rider

The concert rider is part of the agreement with a promoter regarding what needs to be provided to the performer before, during, and after a show. It includes everything from how many electricians are needed to wire in the sound system to what has to be provided to the artist backstage.

Mojo Nixon, the crazy rockabilly guy, has some pretty interesting requests. After he died earlier this year while performing on a cruise ship, a document entitled “The Very Reasonable Rider to Contract” started making the rounds. Its requirements included (1) Be nice. Don’t beat up rowdy fans unless absolutely necessary. (2) One case of Budweiser on ice. More beer if we need it. Sometimes we do. (3) Dressing room with a bathroom or four pee jars. And (4) A couple of guys or gals to help carry stuff van to stage and back again.

Again, very reasonable, don’t you think?