What is an Artist Rider?

A rider (or artist rider) is the part of an artist's performance contract that lists everything they need for a show, covering technical, hospitality, security and other requirements. It is "ridden" onto the contract as an attachment, which is where the name comes from. Riders range from one page for a small band to dozens of pages for a stadium tour.

How a rider works

A rider goes through four stages:

  1. Attached: the agent attaches the rider when sending the contract to the promoter.
  2. Reviewed: the promoter and venue check what they can provide and what it will cost.
  3. Negotiated: items are confirmed, swapped or removed during the advance.
  4. Delivered: on show day, the venue's crew and hospitality team provide what was agreed.

With many acts and riders on one bill, festivals and venues keep each act's requests together by managing advances in Crescat.

Rider vs contract

The contract covers the deal: date, fee, set length and payment terms. The rider covers what the artist needs to perform: equipment, staffing, catering and facilities. The rider is usually attached to the contract and signed with it. If the two conflict, the contract usually decides which takes priority.

Types of rider

Frequently asked questions

Is a 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.

Who writes the rider?

The artist's tour manager or production manager usually writes it, with input from the band and crew. Smaller acts often write their own from a template. It should be updated whenever the show or line-up changes.

What is a security rider?

A security rider sets out the artist's security needs, such as the number of security staff, guarded dressing rooms and controlled access to the stage. It is common for high-profile acts. Venues review it with their security provider during the advance.

Related terms