What is a Rider in Entertainment?

My Journey to Understanding 'Riders'

Growing up, my dreams were consumed by football. Nevertheless, it dawned on me around the age of 18 that my skills were simply not enough for a professional career. Thus, I transitioned into the entertainment industry, inspired by my family's involvement in it. My Father was an opera singer, my Mother directed shows and my Sister was an actress.

The Unusual Concept of a 'Rider'

My time in the entertainment industry first introduced me to the term 'rider.' A rider in theatre, dance and live musical performances is essentially a set of requests or demands that a performer sets as criteria for performance. These are typically fulfilled by the promoter or hosting venue, often covering hospitality and technical needs.

Unbelievable Requests in Riders

The things that artists request in their riders can be astounding. I reached out to several friends in the entertainment industry to hear about some of the most outlandish demands they've encountered.

Funny and Outrageous Riders

Some of the most memorable include:

• A demand for two PlayStation 5 consoles in their original boxes, along with a variety of latest games for the artist to take home.
• A request for 3 different sports cars to be waiting at the airport for the artist's pick.
• One artist wanted a black Mercedes with darkened windows for pickup. The driver was not allowed to open the door for the artist and had to have a box of Kleenex tissues on the back seat.

The Peculiar Requests of Famous Artists

Van Halen's M&M's Rider

One of my favourites is from the American band Van Halen. They famously stipulated that there should be no brown M&M’s in the backstage area. If any brown M&M’s were found backstage, the band could cancel the entire concert at the full expense of the promoter.

However, the real reason for this odd clause is fascinating. It was a means to ensure the promoter had read every single word in the contract, implying that they may have not paid attention to other important parts of the rider. It was a clever way to ensure that every little detail was taken care of for the safety of the band and the fans' experience.

Final Thoughts

The world of riders is vast and often bizarre, reflecting the eccentricities of the artists and the meticulousness required in the entertainment industry. Whether it's a brand of tissue paper or the absence of a certain colored candy, these demands shape the world of performances.

Remember to take care and enjoy your week!

Ritchie is the MD at Pirates, the islands number one night out featuring Adventure, Reloaded and Gringos. Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com.