Hmmm...what would I want in my "rider"? First we should define "rider". It's a list of all the specific things an artist or performer wants from each venue in addition to the agreed upon fee. For example, legend has it that Van Halen wanted a bowl of M&M's with all of the brown ones removed. Mariah Carey requirements include Cristal Champagne served with bendy straws and the room's thermostat be set at 75 degrees. Comedian Kevin Hart is currently on tour and a copy of his rider has surfaced online. His long list of needs includes things like floss, "man scented candles," five different types of soft drinks, a lot of Red Bull, lots of liquor, a full salad bar, Listerine, and Vaseline lip therapy. But the most important item in the rider is a specific type of stool for him to have onstage. Hart requires a black, Winsome brand stool -- 29 inches tall with square legs and a flat top. The rider adds, "substitutions will not be accepted."
If that were me, I'd bring my own specific stool with me. But then again that would be a pain to check with my luggage. If I had one, my performance contract rider would require bottled water on ice, a variety of pop's on ice, a pitcher of Pina Coladas, cheese and cracker plate (charcuterie board), chili & cheese dip with tortilla chips, and ice cream. But to make sure the venue's manager is paying attention that ice cream would have to come from Kroger and be Artisan Vanilla Bean with a can of Milk Chocolate Ovaltine to sprinkle on top. Nothing else would do! Of course the ice cream is for after the show. Nobody wants to get phlegmy on stage in front of thousands of people.