Image via Complex Original
As more money piles into the bank accounts of DJs, their status will rise, and with elevated status comes the perks of being a star. Some DJs take that to the next level, and start asking for outlandish things on their "rider," or the list of requirements for touring acts, covering everything from how they want the stage to be set up to what kind of food or drinks they require in their dressing rooms.
Rock stars have been notorious for the weird shit they request on their riders, with everything from carnations (Katy Perry) to porn (Guns 'N' Roses). We've seen some of the leaked tour riders from your favorite superstar DJs, from Afrojack to Calvin Harris, and wanted to run down some of the oddest requests today's EDM acts make.
Inflatables
Both Deadmau5 and Steve Aoki have required inflatables in their rider, with Deadmau5 specifying that it must be five feet in size. Aoki has been known to ride crowdsurf while riding in an inflatable raft, but we're wondering how many of these might end up in the hotel pool (or in their home pool) after the gig.
Lots of Booze
DJ Chuckie asks for four bottles of Ace of Spades champagne, four bottles of Grey Goose, and various bottles of beer. DJ Pauly D (your girl's favorite DJ) asks for bottles of (house) champagne just to spray on the crowd.
Luxury Vehicles
We know that DJs prefer to be driven around in style. Afrojack has slighty different needs: because of his height (around 6'4"), he would prefer to be driven around in a Bugatti Veyron or a Spyder. If you don't have one of those, or something applicable, you have to run it by management first. And if this is just for one night? And he's not the only one: many DJs prefer Escalades, Mercedes Benzes, and other fly whips to be driven around in. That can end up being a lot of scratch to chauffeur a DJ around for one day.
Socks and Underwear
You name them: Moby, Steve Aoki, DJ Craze. They all ask for socks and underwear. We figure that when you're on a massive tour, and you're taking care of yourself and your entourage, the hustle and bustle of hitting airports, taxis, and whatever other transportation doesn't give you much in the way of hitting a Wal-mart or mall to stock up on clean socks and drawers. We just have these crazy images of a DJ carrying around a duffle bag of unopened Hanes tees and boxer briefs from their extensive 30-city tour.
Food (and Lots of It)
We can understand this: touring life can be hectic, and getting good food can be hard; Pendulum, a drum & bass band that achieved worldwide success and a label through Warner (and spawned the highly-successful Knife Party), used to ask for a seriously stocked dressing room that includes large selections of fresh fruit, fresh cut veggies, sweets, wine, whiskey, vodka, beer, 48 bottles of mineral water, a kettle, a deli tray, and plenty more. We imagine the venue will have to hire a gopher or two just to keep up with the food order!
Dishes and Cutlery
Not only do The Crystal Method ask for two large trash cans and recycling bin, they require reusable plates. With their spread, we're definitely not sure if they were trying to take the plates home or just wanted the best dishes possible or they wanted to make sure their summer homes were stocked accordingly. They even require metal cutlery, which is in addition to asking for a hot meal for three people.
Tobacco
You'd think if an artist indulges in smoking or chewing tobacco, they would provide their own. Deadmau5 specifically asks for Marlboro Lights in his rider, but Groove Armada really takes the cake: their riders includes Drum tobacco, Golden Virginia tobacco, two lighters, one packet of Benson & Hedges, and two packs of silver or blue Rizla rolling papers. Imagine how much nicotine they acquire on a huge tour!
Towels
Or should we say "specific towel requests." Pendulum asked for 50 full-body towels to be stocked in the wash room adjacent to their locked dressing room. Other DJs ask for hand towels to be at the DJ booth, which we understand as DJing can make you perspire. Calvin Harris prefers four small black hand towels, while Dirty South specifically asks for "four clean, white Egyptian cotton towels." We're not sure if he has a skin condition or just loves the white Egyptian cotton feel, but it definitely stands out. Will he reject towels that aren't white Egyptian cotton?
Refusal of Opening/Closing DJs
In Roger Sanchez' leaked tour rider, he has explicit instructions on having the "sole right of refusal" over whomever is opening or closing for him, as well as any additional artists that are added to the line-up. We're not sure if this is just to keep the vibe alive, or if he's trying to avoid friction, but that's a lot of control to give to one DJ.
Eco-Friendly Facial Tissues
We get cleanliness, as well as conservation. If we were a promoter and received The Crystal Method's tour rider, which specifically asks for eco-friendly facial tissues and a "travel pack" of antibacterial, eco-friendly Wet Wipes. One of them has to be forever sick, or they're on that OCD Monk kick.