I received an e-mail with a request for a post. It’s from Dan, a member of the NY/NJ based band Havoc Effect [dead link removed]. Dan writes:

Hey man,

love the blog, read it everyday (thanks to my RSS feed). I was hoping you can address the topic of a Rider, and when to use one.

Thanks and keep up the great work!!

Best,

Dan
Havoc Effect [dead link removed]

Good question, Dan. It all really depends on the situation.

Before we get into when you can use a rider, we should mention exactly what a rider is for anyone who may be new to the business. A rider is the part of a performance contract that states what the venue or promoter must provide for the performer for the show. This can range from food and beverage provisions to dressing room accommodations.

Typically the requirements are fairly simple, like bottled water, soft drinks, deli trays, various alcoholic beverages and other basic needs that no musician can live without. Over the years, there’s been coverage in the press of some of the more outrageous requirements made in certain high profile performers’ contracts; most notably the demand of Van Halen to have several bowls of M&Ms candy with all of the brown pieces removed in their dressing room before every show.

Failure to provide the agreed upon items could result in the band refusing to go on, so most venues will take them seriously, which is why these huge acts tend to have a little fun with them.

As for when a band is ready for a rider, it isn’t an exact science.

The first consideration is the venue; larger venues that feature bands with significant drawing power will have the staff and budget to fulfill reasonable rider requests while smaller venues (like most smaller clubs) won’t. Small venues will typically offer drink tickets and guest list spots to bands that play there since these things don’t really take much effort on their part and can be provided by the promoter or booker in a few minutes.

The next thing to consider is your band’s drawing power. If you can fill a venue, you have much more leverage in getting a rider attached to your finalized performance contract. While any band can make a rider request, a good rule of thumb would be to reserve your requests for performance situations in which you have the ability to negotiate better monetary terms, as the rider is considered part of the payment. An established headliner is in a much better position to negotiate with a venue than an opener, however a headliner could help their opening band get better rider accommodations if the situation allows.

The last thing is what you ask for. Your rider can ask for anything from a few bottles of water to multiple dressing rooms, as stated before. If the venue can accommodate your requests and they are within reason, then you’ll have a much easier time getting what you want. If you’re selling out a large venue, you can pretty much ask for anything you want; if you’re in this situation, go nuts – you’ve earned it.

At the end, it comes down to negotiation. Your ability to secure a rider is in proportion to the amount of leverage you have. The more the venue wants you, the more likely it will be that they’ll agree to provide for you.

I hope this helps.

Best,
Pat S., RSM

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