7 min read
Dierks Bentley is getting ready to hit the road for his Broken Branches Tour.
And like any major country star, he has a backstage rider—basically a list of requests that venues provide for artists before and after a show.
Some artists go all out with their requests, from bowls of only green M&Ms to rare bottled water shipped in from remote parts of the world.
But not Dierks Bentley.
When asked what he needed backstage, his answer wasn’t about food, drinks, or luxury items.
Instead, his biggest must-have is something a little surprising.
Keep reading to learn more about his backstage essentials.
When Bentley was asked about his backstage essentials, he had one clear priority:
“Fans. That’s about all I really care about is having people there to sing for.”
Now, if you’re picturing a bunch of box fans or industrial blowers to keep the air moving backstage, think again.
Bentley isn’t talking about cooling fans—he’s talking about real, living, breathing country music lovers.
While some stars might focus on gourmet spreads or expensive champagne, Bentley is just happy to have a crowd ready to sing along.
It’s a humble and refreshing answer, proving that after all these years, he’s still all about the music and the people who come to hear it.

Of course, while Bentley keeps things simple, he’s not running completely on empty. He does have a couple of small asks for his dressing room.
His go-to backstage treat? Row 94 whiskey and ice.
“We’re pretty low-key,” Bentley insists.
That’s it. No fancy cocktails, no exotic snacks—just a good glass of whiskey on the rocks.
While some country stars might stock their greenrooms with craft beer, barbecue, or even home-cooked meals from their favorite Southern spots, Bentley is happy with the basics.
Tour riders tend to get out of control if they aren’t updated.
Over time, requests pile up—items that artists may not even want anymore, but they stay on the list because no one thinks to remove them.
Bentley recently checked in with his team to make sure his rider wasn’t getting out of hand.
“I actually just talked to my tour manager yesterday and I said, ‘Make sure we go through the rider that we are sending out.’ That thing starts building up with a bunch of crap, and I always feel bad showing up somewhere and there’s just too much stuff.”
Many venues bend over backward to fulfill an artist’s requests, and Bentley doesn’t want to waste resources or create extra hassle for the hardworking crews that set everything up.
“I like keeping it super-streamlined and just being low-maintenance for all the nice folks that help put that together at all these places we play.”
It’s another reminder that Bentley is as down-to-earth as they come—a guy who doesn’t need a long list of luxuries, just a good drink, a great crowd, and a team that isn’t running around fetching unnecessary items.
Dierks Bentley is hitting the road for his Broken Branches Tour, and he’s bringing along special guests Zach Top and The Band Loula to make it an unforgettable summer.
If you’re ready for an incredible night of country music, now’s the time to get your tickets!
Pre-sale access is available for members of The Risers Fan Club, so be sure to sign up.
General ticket sales open this Friday, February 21, at 10 AM local time—don’t miss your chance to see Dierks Bentley live in a city near you!
Bentley’s Broken Branches Tour kicks off in May in Texas, and he’s bringing rising country artist Zach Top along for several shows.
If you haven’t heard of Zach Top yet, you’re going to want to check him out—his sound is pure, classic country with a modern twist.
For Bentley, this tour isn’t just another set of concerts—it’s about getting back to why he loves music in the first place.
If his backstage requests tell us anything, it’s that Bentley’s focus is exactly where it should be: on the fans, the music, and the experience.
He’s not caught up in the rockstar lifestyle. He just wants to play great shows, connect with the audience, and enjoy a well-earned glass of whiskey afterward.
So, if you’re lucky enough to catch a show on the Broken Branches Tour, just know that you’re witnessing an artist who truly lives for the music—and for the fans who make it all possible.
Dierks Bentley may keep his tour demands minimal, but his new single, “She Hates Me,” is anything but low-key.
In the hilarious music video, a furious ex destroys his car, home, and sanity, bringing post-breakup chaos to life.
Inspired by Puddle of Mudd’s 2001 hit, the song started as a joke with Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman, and Chase McGill but quickly gained momentum after Bentley’s kids and friends couldn’t stop playing it.
As he preps for his Broken Branches Tour, Bentley proves he’s all about keeping things fun—whether onstage or in his music.
| Date | City | State/Province |
|---|---|---|
| May 29 | Austin | TX |
| May 30 | Dallas | TX |
| May 31 | Tulsa | OK |
| June 5 | Alpharetta | GA |
| June 6 | Tampa | FL |
| June 7 | West Palm Beach | FL |
| June 12 | Toronto | ON (Canada) |
| June 14 | Tinley Park | IL |
| June 19 | Chula Vista | CA |
| June 20 | Phoenix | AZ |
| June 21 | Albuquerque | NM |
| June 26 | Los Angeles | CA |
| June 27 | Wheatland | CA |
| June 28 | Mountain View | CA |
| July 12 | Mansfield | MA |
| July 18 | Cincinnati | OH |
| July 19 | Noblesville | IN |
| July 31 | Salt Lake City | UT |
| August 1 | Nampa | ID |
| August 7 | Camden | NJ |
| August 8 | Raleigh | NC |
| August 9 | Charlotte | NC |
| August 14 | Buffalo | NY |
| August 15 | Holmdel | NJ |
| August 16 | Bethel | NY |
| August 21 | Savannah | GA |
| August 22 | Birmingham | AL |
| August 23 | Biloxi | MS |
| August 28 | New York | NY |
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