Music News

The Ever-Popular Crazy Concert Rider Demand

The concert rider is that part of the contract between a promoter and an artist that details what needs to be provided to the artist before, during and after a show. This covers the mundane (electrical requirements, catering for the crew, etc.) to the weirdly wonderful things that a performer needs in the dressing room.

For example, Beyonce insists on red toilet paper while the Foo Fighters have a thing for stinky cheese. The Telegraph picks up on this theme with stories of Madonna’s need for fresh toilet seats, Mariah Carey’s used gum assistant and Marilyn Manson’s “bald-headed toothless hooker.”

What about Kanye West?

Kanye is known for his outrageous statements, so it is hardly surprising that his rider reportedly includes some equally outrageous demands. Apparently the rapper demands imported Versace towels on hand at all times, and that his drivers wear clothes made from 100 percent cotton. According to the Daily Mail, Mr Kim Kardashian also demanded that his dressing room carpet was ironed by an assistant because it was “too bumpy”.

Continue reading the Telegraph article here. There’s a fantastic collection of backstage riders available at The Smoking Gun.

 

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39671 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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