50 Strange Tour Request From Famous Rock Bands
Aerosmith's Toxic Twins - AMPonStage / Youtube
The life of a touring musician can be challenging. Spending months away from home, living out of hotel rooms, and eating ordinary food with plastic utensils is the norm. However, touring is essential for musicians to connect with their fans and share their music.
To make their time on the road more comfortable, musicians often have a tour rider. This is a document outlining their backstage requirements, including food, beverages, transportation, and technical equipment. While most riders include standard items like water, coffee, towels, and air conditioning, some musicians add unique requests that reflect their personality.
1. AC/DC
View this post on Instagram
During their Black Ice World Tour in 2008, AC/DC had some interesting requests. Alongside the usual drinks like water, soda, and coffee, they asked for something unique: two live potted trees. The height of the trees depended on the ceiling height of the venue.
2. Aerosmith
View this post on Instagram
Aerosmith, similar to other performers, cares about their appearance before performing. They asked for big mirrors in their dressing rooms to ensure they look their best. They prefer not to have any alcohol backstage, but they do enjoy having root beer served from a keg. Additionally, they requested fresh corn on the cob as a healthy snack, cooked for just three minutes.
3. The Beach Boys
View this post on Instagram
On The Beach Boys’ tour rider, they ask for something pretty fancy: a licensed massage therapist who knows Swedish or Oriental deep muscle massage. But more importantly, they emphasize the need for functioning toilets!
4. The Beatles
View this post on Instagram
When The Beatles embarked on their 1965 tour across America, their backstage requests were refreshingly modest. Their rider consisted of basic essentials: four cots for rest, mirrors, an ice cooler to keep refreshments cold, a portable TV set for entertainment, and fresh towels for hygiene. Yet, amid these simple demands, the band made a powerful statement by stipulating that they would not perform if the audience was segregated. This bold declaration reflected The Beatles’ unwavering stance against discrimination and their dedication to promoting unity and equality through their music.
5. The Black Crowes
View this post on Instagram
The Black Crowes have some standard requests for their dressing room snacks, like turkey, ham, and salami. But they also have a specific craving for a whole roasted chicken, and they want just one, not more or less. It seems like they have a taste for hearty, satisfying food to keep them energized before hitting the stage.
6. Black Sabbath
View this post on Instagram
The British have a serious love for their tea, and Black Sabbath is no different. In a tour rider from 2001, they made it clear that only PG Tips or Yorkshire Gold tea would be acceptable. These brands are widely appreciated in the UK, demonstrating the band’s specific taste for top-notch tea during their tours.
7. Blondie
View this post on Instagram
In a tour rider from 2009, Blondie showcased their preference for healthier options like fresh fruits and vegetables, along with the convenience of a juicing machine and blender. However, Debbie Harry’s dressing room requirements revealed her inclination for a bit of indulgence, with requests for two cases of beer, one bottle of red wine, one bottle of white wine, and a liter of Grey Goose vodka.
8. Bon Jovi
View this post on Instagram
The homely comforts are sometimes the best, even on tour! Bon Jovi believed so too. In one of their tour requests, they specifically asked for “a big urn filled with hot, homemade, low-fat chicken noodle soup” to be placed in their dressing room.
9. Boston
View this post on Instagram
For years, people everywhere have been divided over one question: crunchy or creamy peanut butter? Well, if you’re Boston on tour, there’s no debate – it’s all about crunchy peanut butter, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Oh, and don’t forget the strawberry jam!
10. Cheap Trick
View this post on Instagram
After a gig, many bands enjoy pizza, but Cheap Trick has a strict policy: no Domino’s pizza allowed under any circumstances!
11. Crosby, Stills & Nash
View this post on Instagram
You never know when a hangnail might pop up, especially when you’re strumming guitars for hours. That’s why Crosby, Stills & Nash made sure to have a pair of nail clippers in their dressing room, just in case!
12. Def Leppard
View this post on Instagram
Def Leppard’s backstage demands showcase their distinctive preferences. They don’t settle for just any butter; it has to be whipped salted butter. Alongside Bran Flakes cereal and homemade salsa, they indulge in fresh-squeezed orange juice from a health food store. And of course, no dressing room is complete without a generous supply of Sun-Maid raisins – a staple for this band’s post-show snacking.
13. Duran Duran
View this post on Instagram
While many artists request wine backstage, Duran Duran’s preferences are rather sophisticated. They specify an “excellent quality” red wine, preferably vintages from ’89 to ’97, and have specific years in mind for the white wine as well. And when it comes to tequila, only Patron Silver will do – no “regular tequila” for this band.
14. Electric Light Orchestra
View this post on Instagram
In a particular rider, it’s noted that ELO “ceased to exist in 1986,” urging shows to acknowledge “former members” of the band. Moreover, they specifically asked for “20 stamped postcards of [the] local area.” The reason behind this request remains shrouded in mystery.
15. Foo Fighters
View this post on Instagram
Let’s face it, having extra underwear and socks on tour is just smart thinking. That’s why back in 2000, the Foo Fighters were sure to request four pairs of medium boxer shorts and four pairs of white tube socks.
16. Grand Funk Railroad
View this post on Instagram
Like any rock and roll gig, according to a Grand Funk Railroad’s 2002 rider, things might change. But when it comes to drinks backstage, they’re happy with either Mike’s Hard Lemonade or “schmirnoff [sic] ice.”
17. The Guess Who
View this post on Instagram
Attention, Canadian coffee lovers! The Guess Who, proud of their roots in Winnipeg, Manitoba, insist on having either Starbucks or Canada’s own Tim Hortons coffee.
18. Guns N’ Roses
View this post on Instagram
Included in the “miscellaneous” section of a Guns N’ Roses tour rider are three specific brands of cigarettes and a selection of adult magazines tailored to the band’s preferences.
19. Heart
View this post on Instagram
When it comes to backstage comforts, most artists request honey for their vocal cords. But for Heart, it’s not just any honey – they insist on “honey bear” honey, adding a touch of sweetness to their dressing room.
20. Jethro Tull
View this post on Instagram
Backstage at a Jethro Tull show in 2003, you’d spot a door labeled “TULL ONLY” leading to their dressing room. Nearby, another door marked “CAT” held bottles of non-iced water, a nod to Ian Anderson’s fondness for felines. It’s wise to keep that door shut, unless you’re a cat whisperer like Anderson!
21. Journey
View this post on Instagram
Regarded as top-notch apple juice by many, Martinelli’s is a luxury pick among juice aficionados. Journey made sure to include two quarts of this premium juice on their 2001 tour rider, ensuring they had the best refreshment for their journey.
22. Kansas
View this post on Instagram
Kansas had a sweet tooth when it came to their tour rider requests. They asked for a whole bag of assorted Jolly Rancher hard candy to be stocked in their dressing room. Who preferred which flavor? Well, that remains a mystery for fans to ponder.
23. Kiss
View this post on Instagram
In the world of Kiss, even snacking gets rockstar treatment. Their tour rider listed specific treats: two cans of Pringles, one BBQ, and one regular flavor. Plus, they had a mix of chocolate and caramel rice cakes, ensuring there was something for everyone’s taste buds.
24. Lynyrd Skynyrd
View this post on Instagram
At a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, backstage demands took an unexpected turn with a request for eight cartons of chocolate milk. It’s a quirky choice that adds a touch of childhood nostalgia to the rockstar lifestyle.
25. Metallica
View this post on Instagram
Metallica’s love for bacon shines through in their tour demands, where it’s listed multiple times on their 2004 rider. They want it served round the clock – for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
26. The Monkees
View this post on Instagram
While some prefer classic M&M’s or the peanut ones, the Monkees had a taste for almond M&M’s. Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz insisted on having a bowl of them in their dressing rooms. As for Davy Jones, he requested a bottle of extra strength Tylenol.
27. The Moody Blues
View this post on Instagram
The Moody Blues had an unusual request on their tour rider: they asked for “plenty of work surface” in their dressing room. The reason behind this request remains a mystery, but perhaps they needed it for some pre-show paperwork or other preparations.
28. Motley Crue
View this post on Instagram
Motley Crue’s tour rider was anything but ordinary, featuring bizarre requests such as a 12-foot boa constrictor and a jar of Grey Poupon mustard.
29. Pantera
View this post on Instagram
After a rocking concert, Pantera skips the salads and opts for a Taco Bell feast: 12 bean burritos, 24 tacos, three taco salads, and a hefty bag of hot sauce.
30. Patti Smith Group
View this post on Instagram
Making meals on tour more appealing can lift spirits, according to Patti Smith’s rider. They request the food to be set up in an “attractive, appetizing” way. Also, only Italian, French, or hard rolls will do for the bread.
31. Pearl Jam
View this post on Instagram
Pearl Jam had a unique request backstage in 2008: they wanted five packs of Polaroid film, perhaps to capture some special moments behind the scenes.
32. Poison
View this post on Instagram
Let’s take a peek at one of Poison’s tour riders. It’s quite interesting that they only asked for one bag of tortilla chips, one jar of salsa, and a whopping two pounds of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Was someone on the bus a huge cheese fan, or did they have a special recipe in mind?
33. The Pretenders
View this post on Instagram
You can find vegan or vegetarian versions of almost anything nowadays, even pâté. The Pretenders made an interesting request for it on their 2006 rider. (Fun fact: Chrissie Hynde has been a vegetarian since way back in 1969.)
34. Rage Against the Machine
View this post on Instagram
It’s a mystery which color of Starburst candy the Rage Against the Machine members prefer, but one thing’s for sure: they’re fans of Starburst, M&M’s, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups backstage.
35. Red Hot Chili Peppers
View this post on Instagram
The Red Hot Chili Peppers once made a curious request for a backstage meditation space. They wanted the room to be dark-colored, but they specifically mentioned avoiding blue. The reason behind this preference remains unknown, adding a touch of intrigue to their tour rider.
36. REO Speedwagon
View this post on Instagram
REO Speedwagon had an interesting request on their tour rider. They mentioned something about a “Senior Tour,” which sparked curiosity. They asked for two consecutive tee times at each tour stop, and they hoped to trade these tee times for tickets and passes. It’s a unique deal, suggesting that the band members enjoy golfing as much as they do performing on stage.
37. The Rolling Stones
View this post on Instagram
Over the years, the Rolling Stones have kept some things consistent on their tour rider. One of these constants is Keith Richards’ backstage shepherd’s pie, a must-have for him. However, as they’ve aged, some preferences have mellowed out. In 2005, Mick Jagger requested a TV tuned to the cricket channel for some pre-show entertainment, showing a shift towards more relaxed backstage vibes.
38. Rush
View this post on Instagram
Putting aside Rush’s 1990 tour rider, which meticulously planned out alcohol consumption for each day of the week, they also had some unique culinary requests. Among these was a desire for “real fresh whipped cream” to accompany a display of strawberries and exotic fruits, adding a touch of luxury to their backstage experience.
39. The Sex Pistols
View this post on Instagram
Securing the Sex Pistols for a gig was always a bit of a gamble due to their wild reputation. Adding to the uncertainty, one of their tour riders mentioned an unusual request: the band reserved the right to screen a film before their show. What exactly that film might be remained a mystery, adding an extra element of unpredictability to their performances.
40. Stone Temple Pilots
Broken items are a common occurrence on tour, so Stone Temple Pilots came up with a smart solution: ensuring there’s a bottle of Krazy Glue in their dressing room. This handy adhesive helps fix anything that might break along the way, keeping their gear in top shape for the next performance.
41. Styx
View this post on Instagram
Gummy bears are a timeless treat, and Styx knows it well. That’s why they always make sure to have a bag of these chewy candies backstage. Whether you’re young or old, a handful of gummy bears can bring a smile to anyone’s face, adding a touch of sweetness to their time on the road.
42. U2
View this post on Instagram
A U2 dressing room just wouldn’t feel right without some bottles of Guinness in it. It’s like a signature touch that adds to the vibe of their space backstage. With the smooth taste of Guinness, it’s no wonder why it’s a must-have for the band when they’re on tour.
43. Van Halen
View this post on Instagram
Back in the day, Van Halen had a famous rule in their tour rider: no brown M&M’s allowed. But here’s the twist: it wasn’t about the candy at all. It was a sneaky test to see if the promoter paid attention to all the details.
44. The Who
View this post on Instagram
During their tours, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey each have their own dressing rooms. While their requests are pretty similar, there are some small differences. For Roger, it’s all about having a “small supply” of vanilla ice cream, although what exactly “small” means is open to interpretation.
45. ZZ Top
View this post on Instagram
Texans, including ZZ Top, take their spice seriously. In their dressing room, you’ll find a whole jar of jalapeno peppers, adding a spicy kick to their snacks.
46. Blood, Sweat & Tears
Sometimes, it’s not just about what’s on the list, but also what’s not. Take Blood, Sweat & Tears for example. While they’re fine with the typical deli items, they’re adamant about one thing: “no mystery meat, please.”
47. The Cars
View this post on Instagram
Back in the day, smoking was pretty common, even backstage. So, it’s no surprise that cigarettes often made it onto tour riders. In 1980, the Cars were all about Marlboros, just part of the scene back then.
48. Elton John
View this post on Instagram
Elton John’s dressing room must have a flower bouquet, but not just any flowers. No chrysanthemums, lilies, carnations, or daisies allowed.
49. Eric Clapton
View this post on Instagram
Carrying a table football game on tour might not be the simplest task, but for Eric Clapton, it’s a must-have backstage.
50. Iggy Pop
View this post on Instagram
Tour riders don’t have to be dull, especially not for Iggy Pop and the Stooges. Their road manager, Jos Grain, made sure of that by adding some flair to their requests. In Pop’s dressing room, they asked for an English language newspaper, along with a Bob Hope impersonator and the seven dwarves from Snow White. And if those weren’t possible, a belly dancer would do just fine.
