Van Halen’s particular test of promoters has been hailed by fans of the group (Image: Getty)
Legendary rock band Van Halen had a unique method of ensuring that concert promoters were paying attention to the finer details of their performances.
The band, which included the late Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth and drummer Alex Van Halen, toured from 1972 to 2020.
They were known for their intricate light shows at concerts worldwide and needed a way to ensure everything was perfectly set up before they took to the stage.
This led to a now-famous test that long-time fans still talk about years later. Like many bands, had a rider – a list of requests for food and drink to be provided backstage. But theirs also served another purpose.
According to both manager Noel Monk and vocalist Roth, they would include small details in the rider contract to see if the promoter had been thorough.
On Van Halen’s rider, they had dressing room requests which included a tube of KY Jelly and no brown M&M’s. If the group saw brown M&M’s in the dressing room, they knew the promoter likely didn’t read the contract and worried about other parts of the show like sound & lighting.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell)
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One such request was for “no brown M&Ms”. If they arrived to find a bowl of M&Ms with all the brown ones removed, they knew the venue had paid close attention to their needs and could expect a well-organised gig.
Van Halen’s wild demands are resurfacing among fans years later, recalling the time when a bowl of non-brown M&Ms could make or break a performance. According to one widely-shared rider contract snapshot, venues had no room for error.
The document stipulates: “Attached is a rider containing provisions to assure you of a smooth and professional theatrical presentation.”
It further clarifies that “All provisions are spelled out in great detail in order to prevent any misunderstandings and to present to your customers the finest in contemporary entertainment.”
This detailed list famously included instructions for no brown M&Ms, a whopping 48 “large, bath-size cloth towels” and an essential “large tube of KY Jelly”.
has resurrected discussions around this “legendary rider,” with some fans hinting that the unusual jelly request was another gauge of promoter diligence.