Hospitality rider

The hospitality rider covers the hours around the set: where the artist waits, eats and sleeps. For most DJs in European clubs it fits on one page. It is part of the contract and goes out with the advance, next to the tech rider.

Promoters usually meet a short rider in full when it asks for water, a meal and a safe place for bags. A page of brand-name spirits makes them wonder what else on the night will be difficult.

Example

For a DJ travelling with a tour manager:

• Party: 2 people
• Backstage: a lockable room or a safe place for bags and a record bag
• At the booth: still water at room temperature, two towels
• Food: a hot dinner for 2, or a buyout of €30 per person; one vegetarian, one nut allergy
• Drinks: soft drinks, and drinks for the artist and up to two guests
• Hotel: 2 single rooms, quiet, with breakfast, and a late checkout after a set that ends after 04:00

What to watch for

• Mark what is a requirement and what is a preference. An allergy is a requirement; a brand of gin is a preference.
• A buyout is often the better meal. With cash the artist eats when the schedule allows, which beats a cold platter at midnight.
• The rider reaches the promoter, the venue and often the bar staff, so put in only what they may know. “Nut allergy” belongs in it; a medical history does not.
• The rider says what the artist prefers. What was actually booked goes in the advance sheet.