What is a Hospitality Rider?

A hospitality rider (also called a catering rider) is the part of an artist's contract that lists their requests for food, drink, dressing rooms, accommodation and transport on show day. It sits alongside the technical rider as part of the full rider.

How a hospitality rider works

A hospitality rider goes through four stages:

  1. Sent with the contract: the act's agent attaches the rider when the show is booked.
  2. Reviewed: the promoter or venue checks what they can supply and what it will cost.
  3. Agreed: during the advance, items are confirmed, swapped or replaced with a cash buyout.
  4. Delivered: on show day, the hospitality team sets up the dressing room and serves meals as agreed.

With riders arriving for every act on a bill, keeping track of what was agreed is easier when each request sits with the act's advance in Crescat.

Hospitality rider vs technical rider

A hospitality rider covers the comfort and care of the touring party: food, drinks, rooms and travel. A technical rider covers what the show needs on stage: sound, lighting, backline and power. Both are usually attached to the contract.

Example hospitality rider for a four-piece band

  • Lockable dressing room for six people with mirror and seating
  • Twelve bottles of still water and a mixed case of soft drinks
  • Fresh fruit, bread and a vegetarian snack platter
  • Hot meal for six at 18:00, or a buyout of an agreed amount per person
  • Six clean towels
  • Two hotel rooms near the venue

Frequently asked questions

Is a hospitality rider legally binding?

If it is attached to a signed contract, it forms part of the agreement. In practice, most items are negotiable, and promoters agree changes with the act's team before the show.

Why do some riders include unusual requests?

Some acts add an unusual item to check that the rider has been read in full. The best-known example is Van Halen's request for no brown M&Ms, which was a quick test of whether important safety details had also been followed.

Can a venue refuse items on a hospitality rider?

Yes, before the show. The venue or promoter should raise any items they can't supply during the advance and offer an alternative or a buyout, rather than leaving the act to find out on the day.

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