What is a Rider?

[londondave]

Why is the back stage food/drink supply geven to bands at a gig called a Rider? Where did that originate from?

[Ray the DJ]

A rider is a list of requests from the artist regarding stage lighting, backstage crew requirements, refreshments and dressing room facilities etc.  It is sent ou before the main contract (it rides out ahead).

[brachiopod]

Food, londondave? On a rider?

Shurly shome mishtake?  ;o)

[Bangkok]

Rider can also be used to describe any contingent condition in a contract (give us lots of alcohol or we won't play is just one example).  It normally refers to a condition inserted separately from the main agreement.

[londondave]

Cheers everyone. Brachiopod, food soaks  up the alcohol so we can drink more. I will have a bowl of Smarties with the brown ones taken out and the dressing room painted BLACK.

[alunrw]

Here's a link showing numerous examples of Riders -
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstagetour/index.html

[miss_chase]

hmmm.. maybe because the agreement of the band/artist to perform rides on the provision of the 'rider' (eg they will only perfom if their requests are met). Not sure though, an interesting one...