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The 20 Craziest Tour Riders in Music History

Come on, who really needs all of this stuff on the road?

Image via Complex Original

Every so often, the tour rider for a certain act or band will appear online, inspiring discussion of how ridiculous, crazy, and absurd said act or band is with their requests while out on the road.

In addition to outlining security, insurance policies, and other technical items, these lists provide some insight into exactly what makes your favorite act tick while hanging out backstage. It also sheds some light on just  how comfortable they need to be before rocking a huge crowd.

Many times, a rider is actually revealing of the the non-diva qualities of certain music superstars like  Nicki Minaj  and Rihanna , whose "zaniest" requests are just a ton of candles, lotions, and choice beverages. But highlighting those riders would be, well, boring compared to those of acts like Metallica , Madonna , and Iggy Pop .

Those three, along with 17 others, appear in our rundown of the craziest tour riders in music history. Read on for reassurance that your life is exceedingly normal.

Written by Andrew Martin ( @Andrew_J_Martin )

RELATED: The Oral History of the Rihanna 150: A #777 Tour Survival Story RELATED: The 25 Funniest Tweets From the LongLiveA$AP Tour RELATED: Ne-Yo's 5 Craziest Tour Stories

Craziest request : Nivea chapstick

Drake likes to keep fresh, so he brings along trimmers to avoid nightmares of this . When he last spoke to Complex, he told us he had a built-in shower and it seems he's slightly obsessed by the finer aesthetics.

As such, he carries Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap, described as something that "tingles the body and clears the mind.” [Insert Drizzy-is-soft jokes, here.] Keep in mind these are items he brings along when performing music on tour, but by the looks of things, you would think he's prepping for his Degrassi  high school reunion.

Full list of items : Four dozen natural-scented incense sticks, Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap, pork-free food, E-Z Wider rolling papers and a pack of Dutch Master President cigars, Pinot Grigio, Heineken, bottles of Jack Daniel’s, Patron Silver tequila, a bottle of Hennesey or Courvoisier, Grey Goose, Andis T-Outliner trimmers , and extra sets of speakers.

Craziest request : "No less than 10 percent of all security personnel should be female"

Miniature chocolates? Check. A massage room with a ton of ginseng extract? Sure. But female security guards? Not for Bush. During one of their jaunts, the Gavin Rossdale-lead band requested that "ideally no less than 10 percent of all security personnel should be female." Interesting.

Full list of items : Gatorade, soft drinks, skimmed milk, fruitless baskets, Marlboro Lights, hot salsa, and six-packs of beer.

Craziest request : A late model Maybach ('57 or '62) with tinted windows

So Jigga went from Marcy-projects hustler to requesting late model 'Bachs while on tour. What does he need a Maybach for? To take some spins around the parking lot a la "Otis" with some middle-aged chicks? For his safety, let's hope the the ones he's provided with aren't the chopped and screwed ones with missing doors.

As for the champagne and snacks, "I went to One Trump Plaza on their asses/No room service, just snacks and shit"—at least Hov's staying true to his word.

Full list of items : A couple six-packs of Sapporo, a bottle of Belvedere Vodka, two bottles of Patron Silver, two bottles of red, Italian wine from Bolgheri Region, two Ace of Spades bottles, and peanut butter and jelly.

Craziest request : "Access to a 'Rock Friendly' lawyer, medical doctor, dentist, masseuse and/or chiropractor"

Just because a band makes heavy, loud, and moshpit-causing music doesn't mean that the members are down with gettin' wild. And even if they are, they at least want to come prepared. That's where Korn comes in, as they want to make sure they're covered if things get out of control backstage or during the show. What's interesting, though, is that they also request that there are blockades and locked doors all over the place. Better safe than sorry, right?

Full list of items : Phone lines, 20 meals for lunch and dinner, 72 full-size towels, private, clean bathrooms with dimmable lights, ashtrays and rubbish bins.

16. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails

Craziest  request : Two boxes of corn starch

Over the years, Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor has bulked up considerably, but that doesn't mean he's moved away from tight clothing. And to ensure said clothing doesn't stay adhered to his skin during his lively performances, he requests not one but TWO boxes of corn starch. We have to imagine he'd get pretty chafed if NIN didn't come out of the gate with some of their heavier joints ... or if there's any kind of delay.

Full list of items : Budweiser, Bud Lite, "very good" red wine, soft drinks, juice, Gatorade, specific lunch and dinner menus.

15. Foo Fighters

Craziest  request : Various anecdotal requests

The Foo Fighters must take the crown of having the pickiest and most absurd rider requests. This shit is downright outrageous yet amusing. From used DVDs (no sports titles or Martin Lawrence) to any magazine (No Spin , Rolling Stone , or People ) that "show us you have a brain and fantastic interests"—these are full of "WTF" demands. And this one takes the cake: "Please make arrangements for leftover food to be collected by a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter or our roadie that looks like Osama Bin Laden." #EnoughSaid

Full list of items : Iced-down beer, bottles of San Pellegrino water, cooler with ice, small box of Emergen-C, shower gel, DVDs (used are fine), and magazines.

14. Metallica

Craziest  request : Lots of bacon

Nothing says "one of the most successful crossover metal bands in history" like bacon, right? RIGHT? Well, it should, because that's exactly what these guys want when they hit your venue. In fact, it's so important that they want it available for every single meal of the day. But that's not the case for some of the guys on the crew, as they are vegetarians. Why did we point that out? Because Metallica makes that point explicitly in their 24-page tour rider that also outlines the way they want alcohol sales handled, the band's insurance policy, and more than you can imagine.

Full list of items : Hot breakfast for 100 people that includes A LOT of fresh fruit, two gallons of every juice you can think of, nine or so different brands of cereal, assorted sodas and Gatorade flavors, hot coffee that must be kept up, and much more.

13. Gnarls Barkley

Craziest  request : One pack of Magnum condoms

Groupies and artists are a match-made in heaven. And in some cases, these artists are actually smart enough to perform, bang a groupie in their hotel room, and still leave the city knowing they ain't gotta worry about a baby mama. Gnarls Barkley—the duo of Danger Mouse and Cee Lo Green—are veterans in the game so they have a few tricks up their sleeves. Or, at least, they have common knowledge to practice safe sex by stocking up on Magnum condoms while on the road. What's with the athletic socks, though?

Full list of items : At least two pairs of white men's athletic socks, Swisher Sweets blunts, and bottles of Hennessy and Grey Goose.

12. Ozzy Osborne

Craziest  request : A nose, ear and throat doctor

In his younger years, you can bet that Ozzy Osborne asked for some bizarre items to land on his tour rider and, of course, plenty of booze and drugs. But in 1999? Dude just wanted to stay healthy. As such, he made sure a doctor was on hand to take care of his nose, ears, and throat, just in case. Also, Ozzy needed three tanks of oxygen because, apparently, you can never have enough oxygen. 

Full list of items : Three oxygens tanks available at load-in and the doctor must be able to administer a B-12 shot. Also, plenty of fire extinguishers.

11. Lil Wayne

Craziest  request : Private jet

You could only imagine what one of the biggest rap stars in the world would bring along on tour. It would be one helluva party—huge entourage, girls, alcohol, the usual. But having superstar status like Weezy requires a little bit of extra, with said extra being a private jet because buses are overrated. Also, he requires a police escort because, let's face it, he's got some enemies out there. Not only that, but his fanbase has reached a pinnacle, meaning plenty of screaming, adoring fans looking to get a piece of Weezy.

Full list of items : Police escort, five-star hotel accommodations, Gatorade, vodka, Red Bull energy drinks, assorted candy and potato chips.

Craziest  request : Female extras at every tour stop

Gummies, vodka, chocolate, blah blah blah. But humans? M.I.A. requests for female extras to be on board for every stop of her tour. Requirement? Lots of stage presence but we're assuming not too much. We're pretty sure she wouldn't want to be overshadowed by her extras, especially when they have to be onstage with her during the entirety of the show while being drapped in Burkas. For someone who has had a history of outrageous and eclectic moments [Read: Super Bowl], should we really be surprised at what M.I.A. needs to keep herself pleased?

Full list of items : Twenty-four 500 mL bottles of non-carbonated spring water. Must be Evian or Fiji. A container of organic dried blueberries, a container of quality assorted olives, a variety of quality chocolates such as Ferrero Rocher, one small bag of sour gummy candy, one 750 mL botlle of Ketel One Vodka, a bottle of Absynthe, a bottle of Mount Gay rum, a six pack of Heineken.

9. Van Halen

Craziest  request : No brown M&Ms

The craziest thing about Van Halen's request for no brown M&Ms is how NOT crazy it actually is but rather how sensible it actually is. So why did these guys, some of the biggest partiers of the '80s, want to make sure there were no brown M&Ms in their candy dishes? Simple: it was all to make sure that every other portion of their rider was followed. Genius, no?  

Full list of items : One breakfast for eight people at 6 a.m. followed by another at 8:30 for 20 people. If feasible, said breakfast should be hot and cooked, and it will features four cases of soda, four gallons of milk, two gallons of chocolate milk, two dozen English muffins, two dozen raisin muffins, three loaves of whole-wheat bread, one dozen hard-boiled eggs, assorted cereals, and more.

No beer provided until dinner at 6 p.m., but before that there's a lunch with a minimum of 44 sandwiches and food and drinks for 24 people. At dinner, the meat and vegetable options switch on odd and even days while there are potatoes, breads, and desserts served every days.

Two cases of beer (Heineken and Budweiser) with dinner with two more of those cases given to producer's stage manager at 7 p.m. There are more food and booze requirements for the band outside of their meals along with the request of one large tube of KY Jelly. Sure.

8. Steve Aoki

Craziest  request : Two medium-sized cakes reading “DIM MAK”

Picking out the most ridiculous request by Steve Aoki wasn't easy. The DJ/producer is becoming increasingly well known for his off-the-wall live shows that typically include—you guessed it—those two medium-sized cakes. What does he do with them? Well, let's just say he learned how to share at a young age. Also, props to anyone who requests that he needs an inflatable raft, because nothing says crowd participation like riding their hands like the rapids.

Full list of items "Inflatable boat or dingie, four confetti blast machines, handheld CO2 air blower, no self-powered speakers, only a Pioneer DJM-900 Nexus mixer, and other electronic goodies for his setup. Lots of drinks: 48 bottled waters, four Vita Coco drinks, eight ORGAIN protein drinks, two bottles of premium vodka, three bottles of champagne (cork only!), two bottles of Cristal, and much more booze. Even more food and drinks at the hotel, which must be within two miles of the venue."

Craziest  request : A wig room

Cher stands out like no other when it comes to her public image. The tats, the plastic surgery, and her fashion sense outshine the rest, but it's her ever-changing hairstyles that catch the most attention. Hell, she even has a personal room carrying all her wigs. And if that's not outrageous enough, how about fresh cut Casa Blanca lilies, and 12 black solo cups to keep the Goddess of Pop from throwing a hissy fit and ripping out her hair. No wait...

Full list of items : Black solo cups, lilies, M&Ms, beverages (from soda to alcohol), and pizza.

6. Mary J. Blige

Craziest  request : Private toilet (with new toilet seat)

Nobody likes using the public restroom. Quit frontin', you would rather hold it in than use the toilet at your local Mexican burrito joint. Mary J. Blige knows this better than anyone as she requests her own private toilet (with a new toilet seat!) at every city she visits. She also focuses on coziness, requesting extensive lighting, a humidifier, clothes rack, phone line, flowers, and a love seat. Touring means you'll be away from the comfier aspects of your home, but the queen of hip-hop soul doesn't have to worry about that. 

Full list of items : Hot and cold running water, a large vanity with mirror, extensive lighting, humidifiers, a loveseat, matching lamp tables, pack of Mentos, soft drinks, water, and tea.

5. Motley Crue

Craziest  request : A sub-machine gun

You would think the Motley Crue guys would tone the craziness down when they stopped drinking alcohol right? Wrong. In their post-booze days, they could be found requesting 12-foot boa constrictors, a jar of creamy peanut butter, some Grey Poupon mustard, and, oh, a sub-machine gun. Yeah. And in case they got close to wanting another drink, they needed to know the location of the nearest Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that night. 

Full list of items : Alcoholics Anonymous meeting locations, a jar of creamy peanut butter, a 12-foot-long boa constrictor, and a jar of Grey Poupon mustard.

Craziest  request : 20 international phone lines

If you're Madonna, you can do whatever the hell you want no matter how outrageous it seems because guess what? You're Madonna. A 200-person entourage that'll put Waka Flocka's crew to shame? Check. 20 international phone lines to call all her celebrity friends and tell them how amazing it is to be Madonna? Check.

And she might as well bring her whole house with her, too, or at least something that closely resembles that. Nothing feels better than home so she ships her home furniture along every stop of the tour to make sure her backstage room looks exactly like the friendly confines of whatever mansion she's living in nowadays.

Full list of items : 200-person entourage, her backstage room must look exactly like her own home (that means she ships around her furniture), special flower-scented fabric, actual flowers, personal chef who prepares only vegan foods, and her own dry-cleaning service.

3. Marilyn Manson

Craziest  request : A bald-headed, toothless hooker

So...anybody got a hook-up on a bald-headed, toothless hooker for Marilyn Manson? [ Silence ]. Props to whoever it is that handles Manson's rider demands, because all the money in the world wouldn't be enough for us take on that impossible task. The champagne, Doritos and cereal with 2% milk may be the closest thing to normal that Marilyn has seen since forever. Those Haribo gummi bears don't count.

Full list of items : Haribo gummi bears, mini chocolates, Doritos, cereal, 2% milk, fine cheeses, champagne (Cristal, Moet), two bottles of Absinthe, and air conditioning.

2. Iggy Pop

Craziest  request : A Bob Hope impersonator

Whether the items requested by Iggy Pop are legit or not, he wins on the basis of wanting a Bob Hope (look him up if that name's not familiar, youngsters) impersonator at every show. Not only that, but Iggy apparently wants to laugh even more, as he desires a copy of USA Today featuring at least one humorous story about obese Americans. Fair enough, Iggy, but what's with the item about the reality TV show in which people eat dog meat? Gross.

Full list of items : Entire pages dedicated to the live mixes, someone who can speak English, location of speakers and amplifiers, and colorful anecdotes about them all, including a rant about Santiago de Compostela. Also, "two dedicated and intensely loyal" security men, strong tea and coffee, assorted food, two "enormous pizzas," bread (baguettes namely), some fruit, and chocolate. "Yum, yum." And 12 bottles of "nice beer," dinner for 10 people as well as Iggy and two others, a deck of playing cards, and more. Iggy's room was to be designed by someone "loose with a little bit of flair."

1. Mariah Carey

Craziest  request : 20 white kittens and 100 doves

Mariah Carey is very diva-ish to say the least. This statement is backed by her trip to celebrate Christmas in London a few years back. The Phantom, pink carpet, security and entourage is understandable, but 20 white kittens and 100 doves are a bit excessive. A source told the Daily Mail , "We did manage to source the doves that we were going to release into the sky, but the kittens proved terribly difficult." Translation: "Like, how the fuck can we find and look after 20 white kittens at a Christmas celebration?" Fortunately for society, the request was turned down due to health and safety concerns.

Full list of items : Rolls-Royce, a pink carpet, pink podium, confetti shaped as butterflies, 80 security guards and 15-person entourage.

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Weird Al Yankovic Announces Gigantic 133-Date 2022 U.S. Tour

Weird Al Yankovic has just announced a gigantic 133-date U.S. tour that’ll keep the parody master on the road from April to October 2022.

“I’ve loved doing every single incarnation of my live show, but honestly the 'Vanity' tour is the most fun I’ve ever had on stage,” Yankovic says, “so I’ve been dying to get back out there and torture everybody with it once again!”

Weird Al’s tour with opening comedian Emo Philips will begin in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. on April 26 and visit a massive chunk of the United States before finishing up at Weird Al’s first-ever show at New York City’s iconic Carnegie Hall.

Tickets for the full tour go on sale Dec. 10 at 10AM local time. Click here to grab your tickets and see the full list of dates below.

Weird Al Yankovic 2022 North American Tour

APR. 26 - POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. @ BARDAVON OPERA HOUSE APR. 27 - ALBANY, N.Y. @ THE EGG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - KITTY CARLISLE HART THEATRE APR. 29 - NEW BEDFORD, Mass. @ ZEITERION PERFORMING ARTS CENTER APR. 30 - ORONO, Maine @ COLLINS CENTER FOR THE ARTS MAY 1 - HAMPTON BEACH, N.H. @ HAMPTON BEACH CASINO BALLROOM MAY 3 - PORTLAND, Maine @ MERRILL AUDITORIUM MAY 4 - NEW LONDON, Ct. @ GARDE ARTS CENTER MAY 6 - MEDFORD, Mass @ CHEVALIER THEATRE MAY 7 - MEDFORD, Mass. @ CHEVALIER THEATRE MAY 8 - BURLINGTON, Vt. @ THE FLYNN MAY 10 - RIDGEFIELD, Ct. @ THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE MAY 11 - ROCHESTER, N.Y. @ KODAK CENTER MAY 14 - WILKES-BARRE, Pa. @ THE F.M. KIRBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS MAY 15 - ERIE, Pa. @ WARNER THEATRE MAY 17 - CANTON, Ohio @ CANTON PALACE THEATRE MAY 18 - SAGINAW, Mich. @ THE TEMPLE THEATRE MAY 20 - DETROIT, Mich. @ FISHER THEATRE MAY 21 - NASHVILLE, Ind. @ BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER MAY 22 - SPRINGFIELD, Ill. @ SANGAMON AUDITORIUM MAY 24 - MILWAUKEE, Wis. @ MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER MAY 25 - EVANSVILLE, Ind. @ VICTORY THEATRE MAY 27 - PELHAM, Tenn. @ THE CAVERNS MAY 28 - PELHAM, Tenn. @ THE CAVERNS MAY 29 - NASHVILLE, Tenn. @ RYMAN AUDITORIUM MAY 31 - LITTLE ROCK, Ark. @ ROBINSON PERFORMANCE HALL JUNE 1 - TULSA, Okla. @ TULSA THEATER JUNE 3 - DENVER, Colo. @ ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE JUNE 4 - DENVER, Colo. @ ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE JUNE 5 - SALT LAKE CITY, Utah @ CAPITOL THEATRE JUNE 6 - BOISE, Idaho @ MORRISON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS JUNE 8 - LAS VEGAS, Nev. @ THE VENETIAN THEATRE JUNE 10 - LAS VEGAS, Nev. @ THE VENETIAN THEATRE JUNE 11 - LAS VEGAS, Nev. @ THE VENETIAN THEATRE JUNE 12 - RENO, Nev. @ SILVER LEGACY RESORT & CASINO - RENO BALLROOM JUNE 15 - SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. @ GOLDEN GATE THEATRE JUNE 16 - SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. @ GOLDEN GATE THEATRE JUNE 17 - LOS ANGELES, Calif. @ TO BE ANNOUNCED JUNE 18 - LOS ANGELES, Calif. @ TO BE ANNOUNCED JUNE 20 - SANTA BARBARA, Calif. @ GRANADA THEATRE JUNE 21 - BAKERSFIELD, Calif. @ FOX THEATRE JUNE 24 - SPOKANE, Wash. @ MARTIN WOLDSON THEATER AT THE FOX JUNE 25 - BEND, Ore. @ HAYDEN HOMES AMPHITHEATER JUNE 26 - PORTLAND, Ore. @ ARLENE SCHNITZER CONCERT HALL JUNE 28 - SEATTLE, Wash. @ MOORE THEATRE JUNE 29 - SEATTLE, Wash. @ MOORE THEATRE JUNE 30 - EUGENE, Ore. @ HULT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - SILVA CONCERT HALL JULY 2 - VANCOUVER, British Columbia @ THE CENTRE JULY 4 - EDMONTON, Alberta @- WINSPEAR CENTRE JULY 5 - CALGARY, Alberta @ JACK SINGER CONCERT HALL JULY 6 - CALGARY, Alberta @ JACK SINGER CONCERT HALL JULY 8 - REGINA, Alberta @ CONEXUS ARTS CENTRE JULY 9 - SASKATOON, Saskatchewan @ TCU PLACE JULY 10 - WINNIPEG, Manitoba @ BURTON CUMMINGS THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS JULY 11 - DULUTH, Minn. @ SYMPHONY HALL JULY 14 - MADISON, Wis. @ OVERTURE CENTER FOR THE ARTS - OVERTURE HALL JULY 15 - CHICAGO, Ill. @ SYMPHONY CENTER - ORCHESTRA HALL JULY 16 - CHICAGO, Ill. @ SYMPHONY CENTER - ORCHESTRA HALL JULY 19 - CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa @ PARAMOUNT THEATRE JULY 20 - COLUMBIA, Mo. @ MISSOURI THEATRE JULY 22 - LINCOLN, Neb. @ LIED CENTER JULY 23 - MANKATO, Minn. @ MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM EVENT CENTER JULY 24 - MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. @ STATE THEATRE JULY 26 - ELKHART, Ind. @ THE LERNER THEATRE JULY 29 - LEWISTON, N.Y. @ ARTPARK MAINSTAGE THEATER JULY 30 - OTTAWA, Ontario @ NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE - SOUTHAM HALL AUG. 1 - TORONTO, Ontario @ DANFORTH MUSIC HALL AUG. 2 - TORONTO, Ontario @ DANFORTH MUSIC HALL AUG. 3 - WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. @ COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER - MARTIN THEATRE AUG. 5 - NORTHAMPTON, Mass. @ CALVIN THEATRE AUG. 6 - LANCASTER, Pa. @ AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE AUG. 7 - LANCASTER, Pa. @ AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE AUG. 9 - NEWPORT NEWS, Va. @ FERGUSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS AUG. 10 - RICHMOND, Va. @ DOMINION ENERGY CENTER - CARPENTER THEATRE AUG. 12 - WILMINGTON, N.C. @ WILSON CENTER AUG. 13 - CHARLOTTE, N.C. @ BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - BELK AUG. 14 - CHARLESTON, S.C. @ CHARLESTON GAILLARD CENTER AUG. 17 - KNOXVILLE, Tenn. @ TENNESSEE THEATRE AUG. 18 - GREENVILLE, S.C. @ PEACE CENTER AUG. 19 - HUNTSVILLE, Ala. @ VON BRAUN CENTER - MARK C. SMITH CONCERT HALL AUG. 20 - BIRMINGHAM, Ala. @ ALABAMA THEATRE AUG. 22 - ASHLAND, Ky. @  PARAMOUNT ARTS CENTER AUG. 23 - DAYTON, Ohio @ BENJAMIN & MARIAN SCHUSTER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AUG. 25 - GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. @ GLC LIVE AT 20 MONROE AUG. 26 - BENTON HARBOR, Mich. @ THE MENDEL CENTER AT LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE AUG. 28 - CHESTERFIELD, Mo. @ CHESTERFIELD AMPHITHEATER AUG. 30 - SPRINGFIELD, Mo. @ GILLIOZ THEATRE AUG. 31 - TOPEKA, Kan. @ TOPEKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SEPT. 1 - WICHITA, Kan. @ THE COTILLION SEPT. 2 - KANSAS CITY, Mo. @ KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SEPT. 4 - MIDWEST CITY, Okla. @ HUDIBURG CHEVROLET CENTER AT ROSE STATE COLLEGE SEPT. 6 - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. @ PIKES PEAK CENTER SEPT. 7 - GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. @ AVALON THEATRE SEPT. 9 - GREELEY, Colo. @ UNION COLONY CIVIC CENTER SEPT. 10 - SANTA FE, N.M. @ THE SANTA FE OPERA - THE CROSBY THEATRE SEPT. 11 - CHANDLER, Ariz. @ CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS SEPT. 13 - RIVERSIDE, Calif. @ FOX PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SEPT. 15 - PASO ROBLES, Calif. @ VINA ROBLES AMPHITHEATRE SEPT. 16 - TEMECULA, Calif. @ PECHANGA THEATER SEPT. 18 - THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. @ BANK OF AMERICA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SEPT. 21 - SARATOGA, Calif. @ THE MOUNTAIN WINERY SEPT. 24 - DAVIS, Calif. @ ROBERT & MARGRIT MONDAVI CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS SEPT. 25 - SAN DIEGO, Calif. @ BALBOA THEATRE SEPT. 26 - SAN DIEGO, Calif. @  BALBOA THEATRE SEPT. 27 - TUCSON, Ariz. @ FOX TUCSON THEATRE SEPT. 29 - LUBBOCK, Texas @ HELEN DEVITT JONES THEATER SEPT. 30 - DALLAS, Texas @ MAJESTIC THEATRE OCT. 1 - HOUSTON, Texas @ CULLEN PERFORMANCE HALL OCT. 2 - AUSTIN, Texas @ AUSTIN CITY LIMITS LIVE AT THE MOODY THEATER OCT. 4 - SAN ANTONIO, Texas @ MAJESTIC THEATRE OCT. 6 - MEMPHIS, Tenn. @ GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE OCT. 7 - SHREVEPORT, La. @ THE STRAND THEATRE OCT. 8 - LAFAYETTE, La. @ HEYMANN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OCT. 9 - PENSACOLA, Fla. @ SAENGER THEATRE OCT. 11 - MELBOURNE, Fla. @ KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OCT. 12 - FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. @ PARKER PLAYHOUSE OCT. 13 - FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. @ PARKER PLAYHOUSE OCT. 15 - CLEARWATER, Fla. @ RUTH ECKERD HALL OCT. 16 - ORLANDO, Fla. @ DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - WALT DISNEY THEATRE OCT. 17 - ORANGE PARK, Fla. @ THRASHER-HORNE CENTER OCT. 19 - WASHINGTON, D.C. @ THE KENNEDY CENTER - CONCERT HALL OCT. 21 - ATLANTA, Ga. @ SYMPHONY HALL OCT. 22 - ATLANTA, Ga. @ SYMPHONY HALL OCT. 23 - RALEIGH, N.C. @ DUKE ENERGY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OCT. 25 - ROANOKE, Va. @ BERGLUND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OCT. 26 - PITTSBURGH, Va. @ CARNEGIE MUSIC HALL - ROSE AND GILT THEATRE OCT. 28 - PHILADELPHIA, Pa. @ KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS OCT. 29 - NEW YORK, N.Y. @ CARNEGIE HALL - STERN AUDITORIUM

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“Weird Al” Yankovic Announces Massive North American Tour

By Madison Bloom

“Weird Al” Yankovic has announced a gargantuan North American tour. The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour kicks off April 26, 2022 in Poughkeepsie, New York, and will run for six months, with a total of 133 shows. The trek will culminate on October 29 at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, marking Yankovic’s first appearance at the iconic venue. Find Yankovic’s whopping schedule here .

“Weird Al” Yankovic last set out on tour in 2019 for his Strings Attached trek, which he dubbed his “most full-blown, over-the-top extravaganza ever.” Yankovic’s upcoming tour is a sequel to his 2018 Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour . His 2022 trek will feature a different setlist each night. Comedian Emo Philips—Yankovic’s longtime friend—will open each show.

“I’ve loved doing every single incarnation of my live show, but honestly the ‘Vanity’ tour is the most fun I’ve ever had on stage,” Yankovic said in press materials. “So I’ve been dying to get back out there and torture everybody with it once again!”

Yankovic’s last studio album Mandatory Fun arrived in 2014. In 2017, he issued Squeeze Box: The Complete Works of “Weird Al” Yankovic , a comprehensive, 15-disc set.

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"Weird Al" Yankovic

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“Weird Al” Yankovich (born October 23, 1959) is a singer, songwriter, musician and foremost contributor to musical parody since Allan Sherman, hailing from Lynwood, California, U.S.

Yankovich’s earliest musical excursion came aged seven when he began playing the accordion in the wake of un-related polka star Frank Yankovich. Inspired by the comedic, musical delivery of the likes of Dr. Demento, Allan Sherman, Spike Jones, and Tom Lehrer, Yankovich gave a demo of his to Dr. Demento aged just 13. Three years later the musician made his radio debut on the Dr. Demento show with the single “Belvedere Cruising”, and found favour with the show’s fan base.

In 1979 after graduating from high school and enrolling at California Polytechnic State University to study architecture, Yankovich adopted the nickname “Weird Al”, and crafted the parodic track “My Bologna” inspired my the Knack’s hit single “My Sharona”. The Knack were so impressed by the satirical take of their song, they asked their label Capitol to issue it as a single, introducing “Weird Al” to a much wider audience. A year later after graduating from university, Yankovich released the song “Another One Rides the Bus” in a comedic remake of the famous Queen song “Another One Bites the Dust”. The song became an underground hit and led to the song “I Love Rocky Road”, a take on Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ hit “I Love Rock ’n Roll”.

Yankovich signed to Scotti Brothers in 1983, who issued the parodic musician’s debut album ““Weird Al” Yankovich” featuring the single “Ricky”, which became a staple on the growing MTV network. Yankovich’s use of the music video medium, unlike the likes of Spike Jones and Allan Sherman, allowed the musician an extra means of satire-infused communication. The parodist soon became known for his Hawaiian shirts, frizzy hair and goofy persona, later mocking the Michael Jackson video “Beat It” scene-for-scene in his Grammy-award winning remake “Eat It”.

Yankovich went on to release the parodies “King of Suede”, “I Lost on Jeopardy”, and “Polkas on 45”, before releasing the full-length “Dare to Be Stupid” in 1986. The album went gold like its predecessor, was the first comedy album to be released on compact disc, and featured the single “Like a Surgeon” – a take on Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”. The musician’s subsequent album “Polka Party!” failed to achieve success unlike its platinum-selling successor “Even Worse” in 1988. The album which is in large part a satirical take on Michael Jackson’s hit “Bad”, saw Yankovich portrayed as a overweight tough guy and earned the parodist his second Grammy Award.

Yankovich kept a low profile for a number of years before returning in 1992 with the album “Off the Deep End”, which notably features the single “Smells Like Nirvana”. 1996 brought the subsequent album “Bad Hair Day” which spawned the singer’s most popular release to date, the single “Amish Paradise” in response to Coolio’s hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise”. The musician went on to release a string of albums into the new millennium including “Running with Scissors” in 1999, “Poodle Hat” in 2003, “Straight Outta Lynwood” in 2006, and “Alpocalypse” in 2011. Yankovich’s 14th studio album “Mandatory Fun” was promoted with eight video prior to its release and became the first comedy album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2014.

Live reviews

There is no one quite as hilarious to see live as Weird Al Yancovic. He will be sure to keep you rolling on the floor with laughter with his parody songs and crazy theatrical stage antics. Weird Al is a fun performer for all generations to see. He will keep the older audiences laughing with his renditions of Michael Jackson parodies such as “Fat” and “Eat It”, and he will keep the younger generations entertained with his side splitting hilarious parody of Pharrell Williams’ song, “Happy”, which is titled “Tacky”. Even though Weird Al recycles the same kind of formula in his parodies, his music is always relevant due to his keen observations on current pop culture, and the wacky absurdities of his songs, no matter how nonsensical they might be, can only make one laugh. His newer albums even contain songs that make references to older styles of music that will please his fans that don’t keep up with recent pop radio. His newest album contains a song in the musical style of the Pixies, and his previous album had a song in the musical style of The Doors labeled “Craigslist”.

During his performances Weird Al is known to play on his accordion, an instrument that he is quite talented at playing. His accordion is heavily featured on various songs including “Angry White Boy Polka”, which is a song consisting of a medley of different parodies. He has also been known to perform on other outlandish instruments such as a keytar, when playing parodies of 80’s music. Weird Al always dresses appropriately and obnoxiously for each song he is parodying. When performing the song “Fat” you will see him perform the song in a fat suit, and in the song “White and Nerdy” you will see him dressed in nerdy, gangster attire.

Weird Al is sure to perform his old and new material that will please all of his fans, and every word that comes out of his mouth is ensured to be presented in a way that will keep the audience laughing out of their seats.

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Humourist "Weird Al" Yankovic is a musician it is hard to grow tired of. His silliness doesn't get too overbearing, because it's always well-crafted, intelligently detailed and… well, funny.

"Weird Al" is a legitimately great comedian, so it's no surprise that he's been popular since the eighties, and, as a man in his fifties, still manages to get a buzz going among 20-somethings with his new project.

That project constitutes Weird Al releasing a brand new parody music video every day for eight days, with star-studded videos that satirise your least detested pop songs. Pharrell's "Happy" becomes "Tacky" in Weird Al's hands. Lorde's "Royals" becomes "Foil", an ode to aluminium.

It might be Weird Al's irreverence that makes him such an appealing comedian, and gives his oddness a certain coolness. Kurt Cobain adored Weird Al's parody video 'Smells like Nirvana', and his other fans include rock and roll royalty Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) and even the late King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Songwriter Don McLean loved Yankovic's rewriting of his classic song 'American Pie' into 'The Saga Begins', an epic 1st. person account of Obi Wan Kenobi's experience with a young Darth Vader, as seen in the movie 'The Phantom Menace'. What really makes this parody song great is that it matches the complicated rhythm and rhyming scheme of McClean's original, line for line. With an artist as clever as Yankovic, you can be in no doubt that the live show is an awesome experience, or in Yankovic's own words, "a rock and comedy multimedia extravaganza." Expect production values, costume changes, video screens and general mayhem. The show is full of clever touches, like Al's ever changing T shirt slogan, as he strips off gradually to a performance of the James Blunt inspired 'You're Pitiful'. I'm in no position to guarantee that you'll have a great time, but I guarantee, go to a Weird Al show and you'll have a great time.

As I write this review, comedy legend ‘Weird’ Al Yankovic has finally, at the fourteenth time of asking, achieved a number one record in the U.S., with Mandatory Fun. The album, which marks the end of a mammoth, twelve-album contract that he’s been tied to for over thirty years, proves beyond doubt that his appetite for satire and parody remains as sharp as ever, with Iggy Azalea, Lorde, Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke amongst the artists on the receiving end of the dubious honour of getting the ‘Weird Al’ treatment. He’s continuing to tour at a prodigious rate, too, with his extensive Alpocalypse run documented on DVD three years ago. Late last year, he played a slew of shows across America, which saw him run through classics from ‘his’ considerable back catalogue; whilst tracks like ‘White and Nerdy’ and ‘Eat It’ may have dated a little in terms of their cultural references, there was also plenty of evidence that he remains ahead of the curve, with ‘TMZ’ sending up the trashy gossip site of the same name. He hasn’t played in the UK since late 2010, but new dates should follow soon now that the album’s out; it could be your last chance to catch him, too, with the end of his contract sparking rumours of retirement.

I had been wanting to see Weird Al live since I was 9 years old singing along to "Yoda" on my boom box and when the stars finally aligned he played mostly songs that I had never heard before. Granted, I was listening to other stuff during high school and college so missed most of these original songs when they were released. So this was my first time hearing "The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota", "Close but no Cigar", "Albuquerque", and many more and they were fabulous. I have since gone and searched out all of these "new-to-me" songs and can honestly say that the live performance was superior in every single instance. Al's mature voice is much more resonate and his band is tight. The lighting techs also earned every penny for their fabulous production. This was hands down one of the top 10 concert experiences I have had with one band and a set list under 2 hours. The medley of parody covers set to different music and musical styles was even better than his polka mixes; and I love those accordion fests!

Let me just start off by saying this concert was amazing. The concert began with a short animation segment giving the title and everything for the concert, and then on the screen live footage began streaming of Weird LA himself coming down the hall singing. As he danced down the hall singing his first song, he interacted with employees, and people in the hall as he went. He came out and jumped on stage for the last few verses on the song and then transitioned in to the next few songs. He performed great, and he was very detailed. Between almost every song he changed costumes and during his absence, clips were played on the screen of different appearances on TV shows, or references that had been made to him. All in all, this was an amazing concert and this being my first concert, I was very impressed.

This was a great and very entertaining preformance. This was also the first concert I have ever been to and I enjoyed it a lot. I love the song choices "Weird Al" had for us too, it was all of his classic songs/most popular or common songs. I only wish he had sung his "Living in the Fridge" song since the shirt theme for that concert performance was for that song. I also wish that he had sung "Melanie" because my name is Melanie and hoped hed asked for all the Melanies in the crowd to come up on stage as he sang the song. Other than those small minor things it was the best concert ever and I will not forget about it for as long as I live. LOVE YA "WEIRD AL."

Had a great time at the the Weird Al show. This was the second time I've seen him and the show was basically the same, but there was some new footage in the gag reels. The sound system did not work very well during his opening number, "Tacky", as he came from behind the stage area. Camera footage was off a bit as well then. But, it did not do anything to impact the rest of the show and everything else was perfect. Definitely a fun and entertaining show--loved it!

Outstanding! I found his energy level very exhilarating, especially considering his mid-life age. My wife and I found Weird Al's entire two hr. show extremely entertaining! His different acts required many costume changes and reminded me of a type of show I'd expect had he been in residency at a large Las Vegas, NV casino/resort.

Weird Al Yankovic had the best concert I have ever seen!!! He performed songs old and new. His Tacky entrance and Star Wars ending were what every fan was waiting for. It was a top of the class, number one show. I would not have missed it for the world!!! (Sorry for any Word Crimes)

Sarah Faith/Saran Fate

Weird Al was awesome! Everything you expected and more! Costume changing and great videos that have anything and everything to do with Weird Al!! What a legend! I would have gone the next day if I could!! Filled my phone's storage with pictures and videos! Great show, I love you Weird Al!

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‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Wraps Up ‘Ill-Advised Vanity Tour’ With Epic Carnegie Hall Concert

By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

Over the past 131 years, musical luminaries like Duke Ellington, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young have all graced the Carnegie Hall stage. And on Saturday evening, “Weird Al” Yankovic finally joined their ranks when his Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour touched down in New York for its grand finale.

Just about five minutes into the set, Yankovic took a pause to soak it in, and even wipe away what appeared to be a genuine tear. “Let me just take a moment to enjoy this,” he told the capacity crowd of 2,800 fans, which included his wife Suzanne Yankovic, manager Jay Levey, Questlove, and many followers that celebrated Halloween a couple of days earlier by dressing up as Al. “It’s always been a dream of mine to one day come to Carnegie Hall and play a bunch of extremely unpopular songs.”

The show began with a set by Emo Phillips, who has been with Yankovic on the entire tour. The 66-year-old comedian rapid-fired deadpan jokes (“My girlfriend and I almost didn’t have the second date because on the first date I didn’t open the car door for her. I just swam to the surface”) that absolutely killed. Someone at Netflix needs to give this guy a special. He’s a treasure that deserves far more attention.

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Unlike his regular show, there were no costume changes or video screens. This put the focus directly on his band, which includes bassist Steve Jay, drummer Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz, guitarist Jim West, and keyboardist Rubén Valtierra. They’re a freakishly versatile crew capable of handing any popular style of music from the past half-century. There were no complete parody songs in the set, but there were numerous “style parodies” where they sounded exactly like the Doors (“Craigslist”), Talking Heads (“Dog Eat Dog”), and the White Stripes (“CNR”). And despite the fact he’s played 129 consecutive concerts since April, Yankovic still had the vocal dexterity required to mimic Jim Morrison, David Byrne, Jack White, and even Bob Dylan on the brilliant palindrome tune “Bob.”

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The glory will continue November 4 when Weird: The Al Yankovic Story arrives on Roku. It’s a Walk Hard -style spoof of biopics, and truly one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in years. It should create an entirely new generation of Weird Al fans. Let’s hope he gives them a third incarnation of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour at some point. It’s the Weird Al experience in its purest form, and it deserves yet another encore run.

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The 20 most ridiculous things superstar musicians have demanded at their concerts

Van Halen demanded all the brown M&M's be removed  from the group's candy bowl. Turns out that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to music stars' backstage demands.

Outlets like  The Smoking Gun  and Defamer have reported on a variety of leaked backstage documents  known as tour riders. A tour rider sets the terms that a venue must fulfill for an artist's performance. We sifted through 20 such riders to see what major musicians want in their dressing rooms. It can get pretty weird.

Some requests may confirm diva suspicions — as with Kanye West's various requests for a barber's chair and a Coke and Hennessy slushy machine. But we were more surprised by other requests, like one rap star who demanded Lunchables.

From specific scented candles to organic honey bans, see what the biggest artists ask for backstage:

Beyoncé demands her dressing room be kept at 78 degrees and asks for chicken legs "HEAVILY SEASONED" with cayenne pepper  and rose-scented candles . And don't have Coca-Cola products anywhere near her — Beyoncé can only be seen with Pepsi products due to a contractual agreement. The Demands:

1 Large table for catering dressed with white tablecloths. Dressing room should be 78 degrees 4 Brand New White Towels in bathroom (2 face & 2 body)

Hot Food:  Juicy Baked Chicken: Legs, Wings & Breast only (Please season with fresh garlic, season salt, black pepper, and Cayenne pepper HEAVILY SEASONED!!) Steamed Garlic Broccoli Lightly Seasoned Green Beans Lightly Seasoned Steamed Spinach 

Beyoncé can only have Pepsi products. 1 Case of Aquafina water (half cold, half room temperature) 1 Hot Tea Set up (Please have NEW Coffee Pot) Sliced Lemons Wedges Rose scented candles Lighter for candles CD player 

Adele 's many requests include chicken salad sandwiches, Marlboro Lights, the "best quality" red wine, and six metal teaspoons in her dressing room. She also bans organic honey. The Demands :  12 Small bottles still (non-carbonated) spring water (at room temperature) 1 Electric kettle for BOILING water 6 Large mugs for tea. All mugs should be new, washed and dried. 6 metal teaspoons 2 "Squeezy" bottles clear honey (not organic)  1 Bottle very best quality red wine (Italian, French or Spanish) 1 Assortment of chewing gum 1 Pack Marlboro Light plus 1 disposable cigarette lighter 1 Small selection fresh fruit, to include bananas, apples, grapes, fresh berries NO CITRUS FRUIT! 1 Small plate of assorted freshly made, individually wrapped sandwiches, to include chicken salad. Sandwiches must NOT contain tomatoes, vinegar, chili or citrus fruit  

Among Kanye 's previous requests are a barber's chair, Carmex lip balm, shower shoes, and a lot of alcohol. On his most recent "Saint Pablo" tour, West demanded a slushy machine with mixes of Coke and Hennessy and Grey Goose and lemonade.

The Demands:

1 Tub Plain Yogurt for dipping 4 small Yoplait Yogurt  1 Bowl of assorted nuts 1 Bowl of Sunkist Salted Pistachio Nuts (No Red Coloring) 2 Packs of Extra Chewing Gum 1 Bottle of Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Caribbean Type) 1 Box of Toothpicks 1 750 ml bottle of Hennessey Liquor 1 750 ml bottle of SKY or Absolut Vodka 1 Bottle of Patron Silver Tequila 4 Six Packs of Heineken Beer

The  singer  insists on blue or black drapes layered with "icy-blue chiffon." Rihanna also needs an animal-print throw rug and has a very specific candle request. 

5 AC power outlets Adequate lighting for a "relaxed atmosphere" White drapes to cover lockers and/or brick 1 Humidifier 1 Large throw rug — plush and animal print (Cheetah, Leopard) … must be CLEAN, as she will walk on it barefoot. Pipe and Drape the room in Dark Blue or Black drapes with Icy Blue Chiffon draped nicely on top 6 Candles — Archipelago Black Forest (if you can't get these, please let me know ASAP as we have a 2nd choice of candle for Ri). 4 Small, clear, square vases with White Tulips, no foliage (2nd choice: White Casablanca Lilies no foliage, 3rd choice: White Freesia, no foliage)

Don't bring Katy Perry carnations. In addition to very specific flower rules, the "Teenage Dream" singer's food list is quite specific, complete with freeze-dried strawberries and Santa Margarita Pinot Grigio.  

Arrangement of pink fresh flowers. White and purple hydrangeas, pink & white roses and peonies. If not available, seasonal white flowers to include white orchids–ABSOLUTELY NO CARNATIONS. A box of Huggies baby nature care wipes 6 Vitamin waters zero, assorted flavors Bowl of whole fresh organic grown fruit (apples, bananas, oranges and grapes) Plate of fresh-cut Crudités (to include cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, snap peas, celery) w/ ranch dip Snyder's of Hanover Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzel Jar of Salsa Baked (blue corn if possible) Tortilla Chips Freeze dried strawberries 2 bottles of Santa Margarita Pinot Grigio Throat coat, Twinnings Chamomile PG tips and Mint medley tea. Fuze slenderize assorted flavors A jar of quality honey Plastic drinking straws

Sir Paul McCartney

The animal-rights supporter bans fur, leather, and meat from his dressing room. The Beatle is also big with plants.

The Demands:  All lamps must be halogen floor lamps with dimmer switch. Only animal free materials (cottons, denims, velour, etc.) Do not provide furniture made of any animal skin or print. Do not provide artificial versions of animal skin or print either. No leather seating is allowed in the black stretch limousine either. Arrange for a dry cleaner before arrival. 6 Full and leafy floor plants, but no trees. We want plants that are just as full on the bottom as the top such as palm, bamboo, peace lilies, etc. No tree trunks! $50.00 - One large arrangement of white Casablanca lilies with lots of foliage. $40.00 - One long stemmed arrangement of pale pink and white roses with lots of foliage. $35 One arrangement of freesia. It comes in various colors so please mix them up. Freesia is a favorite. 20 dozen clean towels outside of the production office.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey 's list includes eight "tall, leafy plants," Joe Malone vanilla candles, two vases of white roses, and drapes around every perimeter.

Each room must be draped. Black drapes are fine. The entry door should open into the living room space, not the dressing room. Temperature should be about 75 degrees. 1 Three Seat Couch — Plain Color, no busy patterns; black, dark grey, cream, dark pink are fine 12 1 Liters of Fiji Water 3 Bottles Chardonnay — Chilled 12 Coke 12 Diet Coke 12 Vanilla Protein Drinks 6 Sparkling Water (Pellegrino) 12 Melon Flavor Gatorade 6 Red Wine Glasses 6 White Wine Glasses 4 Joe Malone Vanilla Candles 2 Vases White Roses Fried Chicken (warm) 12 Small Bottles water (room temperature) 3 Whole lemons and honey Sugarless gum

The "Rap God" isn't too high-maintenance . Other than fruit, food, and drinks, he just wants access to some weights to work out. Make sure Marshall Mathers also has a CD player that can play burned CDs and some Lunchables. 

The Demands: 

25 pound dumbbells 24-Diet Coke 16oz plastic bottles 12 Diet Coke 12oz cans 6 Verner ginger ale soda (or Schweppes) 48 Daisani, Poland Spring 12oz bottles "NO Evian" 1 Loaf white bread  1 Loaf wheat bread 6 Lunchables snacks (3 turkeys & 3 ham with cheese) 6 Cans Red Bull 16 Cans Sugar-Free Red Bull Large fresh jumbo shrimps with cocktail sauce and plenty of lemons 1 Jar of banana pepper rings

Grace Jones

The '70s and '80s legend Grace Jones wants oysters and insists that she will do "her own shucking" of her requested molluscs, according to the following excerpt of her tour rider list leaked by Defamer . She also needs a lot of very specific wine bottles.

6 Bottles of Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne 3 Bottles of French Vintage red wine (e.g. St Emilion, Medoc, Bordeaux) 3 Bottles of French Vintage white wine (e.g. Sancerre, Pouilly Fuisse) 2 Dozen Findeclare or Colchester Oysters on ice (unopened)—(Grace does her own shucking.) 2 Sashimi and Sushi platters for 8 people 6 Fresh lemons 1 Bottle of Tabasco sauce 1 Fresh fruit platter for 8 people 6 Bottles of Coca Cola 12 Bottles of still and sparkling water 12 Bottles of fresh fruit juices Wine glasses, champagne flutes, tumblers (all glass, no plastic) Cutlery and sharp knife 1 Oyster knife 1 Make up mirror (no neon strip lighting, only opaque white bulbs) Fresh towels, clothes hangers, clothes rail 3-4 Bunches of flowers—prefer lilys and orchids Sofa and arm chairs

According to Complex , Drake requests two specific brands of body care items: Nivea chapstick and Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap, which he says " tingles the body and clears the mind."

Four dozen natural-scented incense sticks  Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap Pork-free food E-Z Wider rolling papers and a pack of Dutch Master President cigars Pinot Grigio Heineken B ottles of Jack Daniel’s Patron Silver tequila

Nivea chapstick

A  bottle of Hennesey or Courvoisier Grey Goose Andis T-Outliner trimmers Extra sets of speakers

Jack White's rider made headlines last year for its explicit "no banana policy" — which White later attributed to an allergy on his touring team — and its inclusion of a highly specific homemade guacamole recipe. 

1 dozen chicken wings (buffalo, teryaki, suprise us) 1 bowl of FRESH HOME-MADE GUACAMOLE (recipe below ) 8 champagne flutes (real glass) 8 wine glasses (real glass) 8 highball glasses (real glass) 1 hummus & pita chips iPod player with sufficient volume control NO fluorescent lighting PLEASE NOTE: This is a NO BANANA TOUR. (Seriously)

Madonna's brief yet complex tour rider list reportedly requires room for her 200-person entourage and 20 international phone lines to call friends in other countries, according to Complex .

200-person entourage 2o international phone lines Her backstage room must look exactly like her own home (that means she ships around her furniture) Special flower-scented fabric Actual flowers Personal chef who prepares only vegan foods Her own dry-cleaning service

Alicia Keys

Give all the room-temperature Evian (and Aquafina) water to Alicia Keys . The singer asks for chocolate almond milk, tuna sandwiches, and specific Glade candle scents.

The Demands:   7 sets of metal silverware 1 Lighter 3 Glade Candles (French Vanilla, Rain shower, Wild Berry, Tangerine Ginger) 3 Cans of Chunk White Tuna 10 Nutri-Grain Bars (Blueberry, Cherry, Apple, Strawberry) 6 Individual Packets of Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal (Brown Sugar and Apple Cinnamon) 1 Assorted Fruit Platter with strawberries, seedless red grapes, bananas, mango, blueberries, cantaloupe and raspberries 2 Cases of beer (one imported and one domestic; brands preferred: Amstel Light, Corona, Bud, Bud Light or local beer) 3 menus for local seafood and Italian restaurants to order meals for Alicia

Jay Z 's rider requires a confounding seven separate dressing rooms, as well as "good quality" peanut butter and jelly and a clean bucket of ice. 

The Demands: 7 Dressing Rooms Desired room temperature of 72 degrees 1 Love Seat 1 Large Couch 2 Matching End Tables 2 48 Cases of Fiji Water (24 cold/24 room temperature) 6 Cans of Coca-Cola 6 Cans of Red Bull 6 Bottles of Vitamin Water 1 Jar of good quality peanut butter 1 Jar of good quality grape jelly 1 Hot tea service for 4: hot water kettle, ceramic and disposable cups All requests for alcohol were shaved from the list.

Mary J. Blige

R&B legend  Mary J. Blige will not use a "public" toilet, in any sense of the word. Her rider list requires a "private toilet (with new toilet seat)." 

2 Humidifiers 10 medium prewashed bath sized towels NO DAIRY OR PORK OF ANY KIND!! 10 1.5 liter bottles of FIJI water (absolutely, positively must be FIJI) 6 cans of Diet Dr. Pepper 6 cans of Schweeps Ginger Ale 2 packs of Mentos — cinnamon fresh only 6 cans of Red Bull energy drink 6 bottles of Black Cherry Propells in sports bottle 8 sets of silverware 24 napkins 1 tub of clean ice

Break out the blenders for Mother Monster . Gaga gets an entire smoothie station in her dressing room.  The Demands:  2 Bottles of white wine with wine opener — Kendall Jackson or Robert Mondavi preferred 1 Pack of Straws 1 Cushioned office style chair TV with cable and a DVD player 1 Rolling clothing rack  4 Unscented candles Cool-mist humidifier 3 fans Tea kettle, organic ginger and lemongrass tea and honey are very important. 1 4 pack of Red Bull Light (on ice) 2 Bottles of Green Tea 1 Container of Guacamole Hot dogs (Yves veggie dogs eaten with toothpicks) A smoothie station (with frozen berries, fuze and whey protein or non-fat Greek yogurt) Blender needed 1 Plate of cheese (non-smelly, non-sweaty on ice) with whole wheat/healthy crackers A mix of assorted fresh fruit (cut and must have edible skin OR edible seeds OR citrus)

Cher 's extensive (and dated) list from a 1999 tour demands a "wig room," rooms for her male and female dancers, and one for Dr. Stacey, a massage therapist, among many other things.

1 Wig Room 1 Room for Dr. Stacey 1 bottle of fine red wine (No Kendall Jackson) 1 bottle of fine white wine (No Kendall Jackson) 4 Cokes 4 Diet Cokes 1 coffee table 1 end table for the phone to be placed on TV with VCR with a cable Hook up. Please make sure we can get the following channels: Turner Classic Movies or AMC.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift' s tour buses are essentially the equivalent of a dorm room. Just make sure if she's arriving before 11 a.m. you've made a pit stop to Starbucks. 

The Demands: If arriving before 11 a.m., the following from Starbucks:

1 Grande ICED Caramel Latte w/ 2 sweet-n-lows 1 Grande ICED Americano w/ 2 sweet-n-lows with soy milk 1 slice pumpkin loaf

1 Stick Butter 3 Boxes Kraft Macaroni/Cheese 2 Four Packs of Red Bull 1 12 Pack Corona Beer 1 12 Pack New Castle Beer 1 Bottle Welch's Grape Juice 1 Avocado 1 Bag of Twizzlers red licorice 1 Case of Smart Water 1 Pint Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream 1 Pint Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Brownie Frozen Yogurt

Punk icon Iggy Pop's 18-page rider from 2006 is a monstrosity that includes, among many ridiculous requests, a demand for "Somebody dressed as Bob Hope" to do impersonations of the dead comedian.

A copy of USA Today that's got a story about morbidly obese people in it 6 bottles of Grolsch or decent local beer F------ loads of good red wines 6 large bottles of good quality sparkling water 3 cases x 12 oz bottles of still mineral water 6 bottles of alcohol free beer 1 case of big bottles of good, premium beer A bottle of vodka Cauliflower/broccoli, cut into individual florets and thrown immediately into the garbage. I f------ hate that.

Van Halen's infamous "no brown M&M's"  request was reportedly instituted so that concert promoters would be forced to pay close attention to all the items on their extensive list — or else forfeit the profits of their show, due to a contract clause. You can find a sampling of their ridiculous rider below and the full version at The Smoking Gun.

Nuts  Pretzels M&MS (WARNING: ABSOLUTELY NO BROWN ONES) 1 large tube of KY jelly 3 packs of Marlboro cigarettes (box) Herring in sour cream 2 gallons non-carbonated, bottled spring water 3 fifths Jack Daniels Black Label bourbon 2 fifths Stolichnaya vodka 1 pint Southern Comfort 2 bottles Blue Nun white wine

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'Weird Al' Yankovic postpones Detroit, Saginaw shows after COVID-19 diagnosis

Musician "Weird Al" Yankovic has delayed this week's Michigan tour stops after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

The pop parodist tweeted that his "symptoms are very mild" in announcing the postponement of his shows at Saginaw's Temple Theatre and Detroit's Fisher Theatre, scheduled for Wednesday and Friday.

More: Detroit summer concert rundown: The season is fully hopping for the first time since 2019

More: Fairs, festivals and concerts are coming to Ann Arbor this summer

For now, Yankovic's tour is set to resume Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Existing tickets will be honored for his new Saginaw and Detroit concerts, both to be rescheduled. Refunds can be obtained from the point of purchase.

Yankovic has been on the road with an outing dubbed the Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, focusing on his own original material.

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