Wildest Backstage Requests: The No. 7 Stunner!

When it comes to life on the road, country stars know how to keep things interesting. From the bizarre to the extravagant, backstage tour riders can reveal a lot about a performer’s personality, habits, and quirks. If you think beer and whiskey top the list, think again.

In this article, we’ll dive into the wildest backstage tour rider requests and uncover some surprising and downright strange demands from hitmakers like Tim McGraw, Lainey Wilson, Hank Williams Jr., and more.

Here, we explore the unexpected, the practical, and the utterly bewildering items that these stars can’t tour without.

Let’s get started!

11 Most Unexpected Requests

1. Tim McGraw: Peanut and M&M’s

Tim McGraw’s Rider includes a few specific indulgences. Similar to Van Halen’s famous M&M request, Tim prefers peanut M&M’s, but he takes it a step further by only consuming one pack before a show. Additionally, Tim has a preference for Mexican Coca-Cola made with pure cane sugar, served in classic glass bottles.

His more practical requests include tuna fish sandwiches and “Muscle Milk,” highlighting a balanced mix of nostalgic treats and health-conscious choices. Not exactly the decadent desires you’d expect from a mega-star, but it certainly reflects Tim’s unique tastes and disciplined lifestyle.

A Reddit discussion regarding the country star’s backstage requests:

Interesting rider requests from celebrities?
byu/hollivore inFauxmoi

2. Lainey Wilson: The Practical Request

Lainey Wilson’s tour rider is all about practicality and taking care of her voice. Among her requests, she asks for Throat Coat tea, which is known for its soothing properties and is a favorite among singers who need to keep their vocal cords in top condition.

In addition to the tea, Lainey also requests various essentials such as honey and lemon, which are perfect complements to the tea for maintaining vocal health. These practical demands highlight her focus on performance readiness and self-care, ensuring she’s always able to give her best on stage.

3. Hank Williams Jr.: A Liquor Lover’s Dream

Hank Williams Jr., known for his larger-than-life persona, makes a surprisingly practical request in his tour rider: a limousine. Unlike the expected alcohol demands, Hank opts for a touch of luxury and convenience.

The limo ensures he travels in style and comfort between venues, providing a private space to relax or prepare for his performances. This request aligns with Hank’s iconic status, offering a glimpse into the practical side of his otherwise flamboyant lifestyle.

While many might anticipate extravagant alcohol requests, Hank’s choice of a limousine underscores his preference for comfort and ease while on tour.

4. The Highwaymen: Decaf Delight

Who would have guessed that the legendary Highwaymen—Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson—would be chugging down Caffeine Diet Coke and snacking on melon balls?

This request, which dates back to their tours in the 1980s, highlights the more laid-back, health-conscious side of these iconic rebels.

5. Jelly Roll: Socks, Socks, and More Socks

Jelly Roll, known for his larger-than-life personality and music, has a surprisingly practical request: an abundance of clean white socks.

This isn’t just about comfort; Jelly Roll has mentioned in interviews that fresh socks are a small luxury that makes a big difference when you’re constantly on the move.

6. Kid Rock: A Mechanical Bull

In true Kid Rock fashion, his tour rider includes a mechanical bull. This request isn’t just for show; it’s a centerpiece for backstage parties, allowing Kid Rock and his crew to blow off steam in a uniquely entertaining way.

7. Dan + Shay: The Puppy Playroom

Dan + Shay’s rider includes a request for access to puppies backstage.

The duo, known for their love of dogs, finds that spending time with puppies is a great way to de-stress before a show.

This unique request has the added benefit of promoting local animal shelters, as the puppies are often brought in from nearby rescues.

8. Taylor Swift Circa 2008: Comfort and Creativity

Back in 2008, a young Taylor Swift had a rider that balanced comfort with her creative needs.

Alongside the usual requests for water and snacks, Swift asked for a selection of scented candles, drawing materials, and a specific brand of tea.

These items helped her relax and stay creative while on tour.

Here’s a list of items requested by Taylor in 2008:

Taylor’s Backstage Rider from 2008
byu/youtubehistorian inTaylorSwift

9. Reba McEntire: Homey Vibes

Reba McEntire’s tour rider includes items that make her dressing room feel like a home away from home.

She requests a comfortable couch, a small table with a vase of fresh flowers, and a coffee maker with a selection of gourmet coffees.

This setup provides Reba with a relaxing environment to unwind before and after her performances.

10. Kacey Musgraves: Crystals and Clean Energy

Kacey Musgraves is known for her eclectic and holistic lifestyle, and her tour rider is a reflection of that.

She requests various crystals to be placed around her dressing room to promote positive energy and balance. Additionally, she asks for a diffuser with essential oils to create a calming atmosphere.

11. Chris Stapleton’s Vintage Arcade Games

The most surprising and perhaps the most entertaining request comes from Chris Stapleton, who asks for vintage arcade games to be set up backstage.

Stapleton, a fan of retro gaming, uses these classic machines as a way to unwind and have fun with his crew between sets.

This request not only provides entertainment but also adds a nostalgic touch to the backstage area.

Backstage Tour Rider Requests

FAQs

What is the strangest request ever made by a country music star?

One of the strangest requests comes from Kid Rock, who asks for a mechanical bull to be set up backstage.

This unusual item isn’t just for show; it’s a central piece for backstage parties, allowing Kid Rock and his crew to have fun and blow off steam in a uniquely entertaining way.

The request highlights his larger-than-life personality and penchant for high-energy entertainment.

Why do artists include such specific items in their tour riders?

Artists include specific items in their tour riders to ensure their comfort and well-being while on the road. Touring can be physically and mentally exhausting, so having familiar items helps create a more comfortable and home-like environment.

For example, Lainey Wilson requests scented candles and a cozy blanket to feel more at home, while Reba McEntire asks for a comfortable couch and fresh flowers to create a relaxing space.

These personal touches can significantly impact an artist’s ability to perform at their best.

How do these unique requests get fulfilled by the venues?

Venues typically have staff dedicated to fulfilling the requests listed in an artist’s tour rider. These staff members coordinate with local suppliers and services to gather the required items.

For more unusual requests, such as Dan + Shay’s puppy playroom, the venue might collaborate with local animal shelters to bring in puppies.

The process involves meticulous planning and coordination to ensure that all items are available and set up according to the artist’s specifications before they arrive at the venue.

Conclusion

• Backstage tour rider requests offer a fascinating glimpse into the personal lives and preferences of country music stars.
• From Tim McGraw’s health-conscious snacks and nostalgic treats to Hank Williams Jr.’s practical demand for a limousine, these unique requests reveal the diverse personalities behind the music.
• Whether it’s the comfort of scented candles and cozy blankets, the nostalgic fun of vintage arcade games, or the stress-relieving presence of puppies, each artist’s rider reflects their individuality and needs on the road.
• These requests are more than just demands; they are a window into the backstage world that keeps our favorite country stars performing at their best.
• Ultimately, these quirky and surprising requests remind us that even mega-stars cherish the small comforts that make life on the road more bearable.
• After all, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

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• Alan Jackson: Deciphering the Retirement Rumors
• Carly Pearce: Balancing Music and Health Challenges