The band had many demands (file) (Image: Redferns)
Rockstars are notorious for their backstage , and Motörhead’s May 2002 tour rider has sparked debate over whether their requests were excessive or surprisingly reasonable.
While some critics have called the band’s demands “modest” compared to others, other fans have argued that the provisions were not just for the band but also for the hard-working crew behind the scenes.
The legendary rockers’ list of essentials was extensive, insisting a variety of beverages was ready upon their arrival. According to the leaked rider, they required two litres of Jack Daniels, one litre of Jim Beam, one litre of “quality vodka,” and a hefty supply of 120 cans or bottles of non-lite beer.
Not stopping there, they also requested 24 cans or bottles of “strong dry apple cider”. The rider stipulated that all should be chilled “on ice” and that there should be a “constant supply of clean ice cubes when required”.
They also asked for:
- 24 500ml bottles of water, specifying “no large bottles, please”
- 72 cans of Coca-Cola classic
- 6 bottles of Lemon or Lime Gatorade
- 2 litre bottles of fresh unsweetened orange juice
- 2 litre bottles of fresh full-fat Vitamin D milk
- 2 litre bottles of fresh, low-fat milk
- 6 small bottles of V8 vegetable juice drink
- 6 cans of Red Bull energy drink
- 5 packets of Reeses peanut butter cups
- 2 bags of Ruffles cheddar and sour cream crisps
- a large bag of tortilla chips with salsa
- 12 assorted snack chocolate bars (no Hershey’s)
- a deli tray with assorted meats, cheeses, pickles, salad, mustard, mayonnaise, salt and pepper, etc.
- two loaves of fresh sliced bread, one white, one wheat
- a block of butter or a carton of spreadable margarine
- a cheese tray with cheddar, brie, and other selection of cheese blocks
- a box of crackers for the cheese
- a bowl of assorted fruit, nuts, and peanuts
- two packs of Marlboro cigarettes
- two packs of Benson & Hedges (UK only) or Camel Filters in the US
- 50 plastic cups
- 25 hot drinks cups
- plastic knives, forks, spoons, paper plates and napkins
…
The document concluded: “All dressing room catering (especially alcohol requirements) must be provided as listed above. Any restrictions in budget or access to any of the above must be pre-advanced with the artists’ tour manager. This is extremely important to avoid problems on the day of the show”.
In the comments section of the post shared on the Facebook group ‘This Day In Metal’, one member added some context: “To be clear, this is for the entire crew, not just the band.”
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Many defended the band, considering the list reasonable, “Compared to a lot of other bands, this is really rather modest,” one comment read. Another added: “Gees. This is a light hospitality rider compared to some others I have seen, and yes, 99% of this is for the crew bus.”
They explained that the crew deals with almost everything: “I have watched them carry every last item out of the venue like they were looting. The artist rarely touches or sees any of this or cares.”