Musicians are often known for their unique quirks and eccentricities that often transcend their public personas. Many may recall the legendary tale of Van Halen’s infamous demand for a bowl of M&Ms—excluding the brown ones—backstage. Yet, this is merely a glimpse into the peculiar requests that many artists include in their tour riders.
Before hitting the road, musicians typically compile a document known as a tour rider, which outlines essential requirements for each venue. These requests can encompass a variety of items, from technical specifications for lighting and safety protocols, to personal preferences for hospitality. While some might view these demands as signs of arrogance, many serve practical, underlying purposes. Below, we explore eight of the most unusually specific requests by renowned artists that showcase their unique personalities and needs.
1. Van Halen’s Famed Bowl of M&Ms
More Than Just Candies: Safety First
Van Halen is celebrated not just for Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar skills but also for their spectacular live performances. Integral to these shows is a carefully planned light show that demands high safety standards. The band included a clause in their rider insisting on M&Ms, with the stipulation that no brown candies be present. Encountering brown M&Ms signaled potential oversights in the tour rider’s safety provisions. According to David Lee Roth in an interview with NPR, this was not mere indulgence but a clever strategy to ensure that all requirements had been attentively met.
2. Rihanna’s Immaculate Bathroom Standard
A Demanding Cleanliness Standard
While many artists may demand new toilet seats, Rihanna maintains that cleanliness is key. According to reports from the LA Times, her rider insists on a “DEEP CLEAN”of all facilities before her arrival. She demands aromatic candles, reminiscent of the Archipelago Black Forest scent costing nearly $40 each, to complete the ambience.
3. Eminem’s Serene Koi Pond
Bringing Tranquility to the Backstage
During his appearance at Northern Ireland’s Tennant’s Vital music festival, Eminem made an extraordinary request for a wooden koi pond filled with specific types of fish, worth between £200 and £600 each. While unusual for a pre-show ritual, it speaks volumes about his desire for zen before performing. Accompanying this aquatic addition, his rider included a selection of healthy snacks like yogurt and seedless watermelon.
4. Mariah Carey’s Wish for a Mini Zoo
A Flamboyant Festivity
Mariah Carey has long been known for her extravagant requests. During a 2009 Christmas show at Westfield Shopping Centre, she envisioned a celebration complete with 20 white kittens and 100 white doves for a magical visual. However, both requests were denied for safety reasons, highlighting the sometimes impractical nature of such demands. To ensure her sense of security, she insisted on a hefty entourage of 80 security personnel as well.
5. Beyoncé’s Comfortable 72-Degree Sanctuary
The Ideal Backstage Environment
As a global icon, Beyoncé has meticulously crafted her performance environment. Reports from InTouch reveal that she requires her dressing area to be set at a precise temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Coupled with the necessity for all-white furniture and the aroma of Joe Malone grapefruit candles, she ensures that her space exudes elegance and tranquility while setting the stage for a stellar performance.
6. Lady Gaga’s Culinary Planning
A Structured Dining Schedule
Unlike many artists who freestyle their meals, Lady Gaga adheres to a strict weekly dining regimen. According to ABC News, her meals are pre-planned—from barbecue on Mondays to traditional Thanksgiving meals on Sundays. She also insists on particular food items, including a bizarre avoidance of smelly cheese and the need for a backstage oxygen tank, possibly to aid her vocal performance.
7. Aretha Franklin’s Grounded Preferences
An Aversion to Heights
The legendary Aretha Franklin was unapologetically fierce about her requirements, which included refusing to fly and staying in hotel rooms above the fifth floor. She needed a custom tour bus to accommodate her height phobia. Furthermore, her unique demand for a cash payment post-performance illustrates her assertive control over her career.
8. Kanye West’s Quirky Slushy Machine
His Eccentric Demands
Kanye West is no stranger to making extravagant requests. For his Saint Pablo tour in 2016, his rider included a slushie machine featuring unusual flavors like frozen Coca-Cola with Hennessy and lemonade with Grey Goose. Additionally, he demanded sophisticated entertainment options and even a barber’s chair, emphasizing his need for comfort and indulgence while on the road.
9. Britney Spears and Her Royal Connection
A Touch of Royalty for Inspiration
During her 2011 tour in the UK, Britney Spears made a heartfelt request for a framed photograph of Princess Diana as a symbol of inspiration and support. Moreover, she showcased her love for fast food with peculiar preferences like McDonald’s cheeseburgers without buns and a fondness for fruit, requesting 100 prunes—an unusual craving for even a pop star.
Clearly, behind the glitz and glamour, these entertainers reflect their distinctive personalities through their specific and sometimes extravagant requests in their tour riders, each serving as a fascinating glimpse into their world.