Riders refer to the little extras a band receives from the promoter of a gig, usually—but not always—in their dressing room. One of the most infamous riders was Van Halen’s in 1982. They insisted on bowls of M&M candies with all the brown ones removed. Mary J. Blige asks for a brand new toilet seat in every venue where she performs.
Here we talk to artists about what is on their dream rider.
My Dream Rider by Bloods
We are a band of food and drink lovers, so inevitably, our rider reflects this shared passion! We have always been happy with whatever we’ve been given when it comes to riders, as long as there is beer and wine, we are generally pretty stoked! We played one show where they actually gave us everything listed on the rider and we didn’t know what to do with all the stuff, because it literally never happens! Below is a list of what our ultimate rider. Enjoy!
MC
A hype-man/DJ to get us pumped pre-show, because we are usually in food comas due to our inability to ‘eat light’ before a show!
An isolation booth so that I could ACTUALLY do vocal warm ups and not feel like a complete idiot! Would save me losing my voice the next day.
Some kind of ‘communications law enforcement’ who can make sure there is no condescending manslaying or unnecessary surliness during sound check or load out. Nothing but good vibes and good times!
A mum (preferably mine) to cuddle post show because there is nothing greater than a mother’s love!
Actual roadies to take care of getting rid of our gear after we play and a driver (who understands the need for a HSP pit stop) to get us home safely from the venue.Dirk
Beer – Suntory Premium Malts- my fave Japanese beer. Would allow me to mentally pretend I’m in Tokyo!
Food – Mcdonalds, a full spread, multiple of every item for variety. Totally basic but holy shit would make me happy pre show!
Hair dryer – cos my hair is basically dripping post show!
Maybe a post show taco truck scenario?Sweetie:
A masseuse who can work the knots out of our necks/backs.
A dog/s who want to cuddle because I’d probably miss my dog.
Soft cheeses, cured meats and the best local red wines – this needs no explanation!Mike
Fresh socks and underwear to change into after would rule. The swamp is real. For that matter, provisions for a shower would be pretty fkn ace.
Maybe a pepperoni pizza for after the gig…
Bottle of Laphroig to wind down… I don’t know what else dude…BLOODS TOUR DATES
Sat 8th Dec – Union Hotel, Sydney – Free entry – with Georgia June and Moody beach
Fri 14 Dec – Old Bar, Melbourne – with Jarrow and Neighbourhood Youth
Sun 16 Dec – Y&O Sundays at North Gong Hotel, Wollongong – Free entry – with Jess Locke and Tuppaware Party
