Contents
- What is a rider?
- Who needs a rider and for what purpose?
- Structure of a rider
- Principles of rider preparation
What is a rider?
A rider is a specialized document that outlines the requirements and conditions that public figures present to event organizers. These conditions are necessary to ensure the comfort and safety of artists, allowing them to focus on their performance. For example, the popular rapper Guf prefers to fly for tours with the airline Aeroflot and requires a comfortable minibus or business-class car for transportation in the city where he is performing.
The word "rider" comes from the English verb "ride" and is associated with touring, performances at organized venues, and brand events. The availability of a dressing room, convenient transport for moving props—these are all specified in the rider. This document is typically non-public and addressed directly to the organizers, although its content may sometimes be available online due to media publications or the artists themselves. It is important to note that the costs of fulfilling the rider are not included in the artist's fee and are paid for separately by the organizers.
Who needs a rider and for what purpose?
Riders may be necessary for various public figures, such as:
- Singers and musical groups
- Actors and theater troupes
- Dancers and ballet artists
- Stand-up comedians
- Event hosts
- Politicians, entrepreneurs, and athletes for official meetings
For example, in 2015, famous boxer Floyd Mayweather specified interesting points in his rider during his visit to Australia, such as an unlimited supply of gummy bears and M&M's, as well as dinner at a restaurant with a cover charge for fans. The rider helps organizers understand the participants' requirements and build productive cooperation, ensuring comfort and safety for public figures and the successful execution of their performances.
Structure of a rider
A rider consists of two main parts: the technical and the logistical. It can be formatted as a separate document or as an appendix to the main contract. Typically, it has a classic layout, including text pages with sections and items.
Technical part
The technical part includes conditions related to the performance:
- Stage dimensions
- Acoustic features of the venue
- Lighting parameters
- Requirements for video equipment
- Possibility of using pyrotechnics
- Required personnel
For example, the musical group "Kasta" includes in their rider a stage diagram with the placement of equipment and conditions for a soundcheck before the performance.
Logistical part
This section often attracts media and public interest. Journalists publish the logistical riders of celebrities to share interesting facts about how artists organize their lives on tour. The logistical part includes requirements related to:
- Transportation to and from the performance venue
- Local transportation
- Accommodation
- Food
- Setting up the dressing room
For instance, Mikhail Shufutinsky's collective requires three dressing rooms equipped with ironing boards, irons, air conditioning, hangers, and other necessary items. The rider also specifies penalties for violating conditions and the contact information of the participant's representatives.
Principles of rider preparation
Preparing a rider is a creative process, and there are no strict rules. However, there are several principles to consider:
- Detail: All requirements should be as detailed as possible.
- Clarity: Avoid ambiguity, write accessibly and understandably.
- Feasibility: Specify only those conditions that can be implemented.
It is important to remember that sometimes organizers may not fulfill all of the rider's requirements, even if they seem reasonable. In such cases, it is advisable to negotiate changes to the conditions and find compromises. If the issue cannot be resolved, sanctions such as fines or cancellation of the performance may be applied.