How to deal with
SPEC RIDER
ABUSE
What to do when an entertainment acts's
hospitality or technical rider is unreasonable.

In 2003, I recieved an email from a college student who was the student campus entertainment coordinator at the institute he was enrolled in. From the tone of his message, he seemed to be quite frustraited with certain acts who were making unreasonable and sometimes illegal requests as part of their spec riders.

Here is a portion of his email along with my suggestions as to what he should do. Additional comments appear below the email text.

from: "Tim Jackson" [ADDRESS DELETED]
subject: band asks for case of baby formula and alcoholic beverages as part of hospitality rider

I'm working on a show for my college and one of the bands sent a list of questionable items with their contract including a case of baby formula, a case of motor oil, light bulbs, a case of orange juice, and a keg of beer. I don't know what these items would be used for by a band (other than the beer which is banned on campus). What do you think?

from: "Peter Carli" radiationroom@DELETED.net
subject: Re:

Hi Tim...  

I've seen stunts like this pulled by certain bands before, and unfortunately it is far too common for rock acts to make unreasonable and sometimes illegal demands because they know that a handful of promoters will comply with those mandates.   When recieving a contract rider that includes unreasonable requests or items that seem out of place, the band and it's management are in all likelyhood testing to see what they can get away with and what you are willing to do for them.

If I were you, I'll call their bluff and fax back the contract unsigned with those items in question crossed out. If they are asking for illegal substances (like cocaine and sometimes alcohol) or illegal services (like prosititutes or kiddie porn), be up front and frank when telling them "no deal". A band's popularity is NOT an excuse for them to use you as their doormat. If some musician tries to give you shit, find someone one else to play the gig. I don't care how popular a band is, there are other bands who are just as popular as they are. You don't need to take some musicians' shit just because they have a song on the radio or their names on the Billboard charts, so tell them to go [EXPLICITIVE DELETED] if they are causing you trouble.

At least in the case of the contract rider you recieved, the case of OJ seems reasonable.


MYTH:It is the nightclub's responsibility to provide the band with sound equipment, spare guitar strings, booze, and hookers.

THE FACTS

TECHNICAL RIDERS: Unless specific requirements are spelled out in writing prior to the performance, it is ultimately the musical act's responsibilty to make sure that he/she/they have everything needed to make the show go. While many clubs have in house production support, others do not; hence the need for a detailed technical rider to be attached to each and every performance contract. This technical rider should include the following: sound system requirements including channel requirements, stage size requirements, lighting, and any special stage sets or props that are supposed to be supplied by the promoter or venue.

WARNING TO MUSICIANS READING THIS PAGE: Always remember to bring spare guitar strings, drum sticks, instrument cables, and other mission critical doo-dats since the typical venue rarely keeps such items on hand. It is your responsibility to be prepared for broken guitar strings, drumsticks, and other equipment emergencies unless spelled out in writing in advance.

HOSPITALITY RIDERS: Although a nightclub, theater, church function, or other promoter or venue will frequently provide the entertainment free beverages and food as a courtesy, they not obliged to do so unless stated in writing as part of a contract rider. If an entertainer has special dietary requirements, that needs to be spelled out in advance.

Further more, a venue is never obligated to provide controlled substances (including serving alcoholic beverages to minors) or services that are illegal (like prostitutes).

DISCLAIMER: This article is for reference purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice specific to your venue, show, or business. Please consult your lawyer, manager, or paralegal advisor for further information.


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