This is becoming a thread derail, but......................
Regarding Van Halen's infamous M&M's rider - yes it was indeed a way for them to check and see if the venues really read the rider, and paid attention to details. This wasn't, and isn't, an uncommon practice....VH's particular story became a "story" due to the fact that so many people took it to mean they were being super picky about something inconsequential and being prima donna's ("Diamond Dave a prima donna? perish the thought!).
In my work, I've been the one that provided artists what they required via their riders...more on the tech side of things than hospitality. I've done so a lot. Nothing so huge a production as major arena rock bands, but for some pretty famous performers nonetheless...such as Chick Corea, Bela Fleck, Richard Thompson, Bruce Cockburn, and lots of others. Often my particular situation was pretty unique, and actually meeting the terms of the rider was very challenging. But I was also very good at it, paid very close attention, and went out of my way (often very far away) to get it right (or at least as right as possible). And I can't tell you how many times the artists were blown away that someone actually took the time/effort to get it right, They are SO used to venues providing sub-standard tech (and hospitality), gear (including instruments) that was inadequate or just plain wrong, and just not caring enough to do it right. It's a constant source of frustration for them.
Are there some actual "prima donnas" that expect ridiculous things? Absolutely. Very much so. But honestly most of these artists are just trying to make sure they have what they need (actually need) in terms of tech, gear, venue conditions, and yes hospitality, to put on a quality show for the audience. THEIR reputation, and the audience's enjoyment, is on the line when venues don't care enough to respect the terms of the rider. And in the greater scheme of things, providing a single color of M&M's ain't that big of a deal (even though that wasn't the actual point).
But if you want to see a truly fun rider, google Iggy Pop's, or Mojo Nixon's. They're hilarious.
s6
