Inside Poison’s 1990 Tour Rider: A Sweet and Savory Request List

Recently uncovered documents from Poison’s 1990 Flesh & Blood World Tour have given fans a glimpse into the band’s unique demands while on the road. The production rider, which surfaced on social media, outlines the culinary and logistical requests made for their performance at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, where they shared the stage with Warrant.

The Essentials: Poison’s Food and Beverage Preferences

The rider, reportedly issued by the band’s California-based management, reflects the typical requests seen in the concert industry, covering everything from staging needs to catering preferences. For Poison, the focus was clearly on indulgent snacks, particularly candy and canned fish. Here’s a selection of the items they requested:

• Jar of smooth peanut butter
• Large bag of nacho cheese Doritos
• Bag of regular potato chips
• Bag of bite-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• 10 assorted candy bars
• Tin of smoked mussels
• Tin of sardines in oil
• Can of assorted nuts
• Can of macadamia nuts
• Vegetable tray
• Fruit bowl

In addition to their snack preferences, Poison had specific requirements for their dressing room ambiance. The rider indicated a need for “comfortably appointed” seating for up to 10 people, while explicitly prohibiting glass table tops and lamps in the backstage area.

Warrant’s Rider: A Contrast in Demands

Warrant, the opening act for Poison, had a markedly different set of requests on their rider, leaning heavily towards alcohol and hearty meals. Their demands included:

• Six cases of beer (three cases of Budweiser, two cases of Corona, and one case of Heineken)
• Bottle of Jack Daniels
• Bottle of Cuervo Gold Tequila
• Carton of Marlboro Light cigarettes
• Carton of Marlboro Red cigarettes
• Fresh seafood platter for 15 people
• Ruffles and Fritos (with dip)
• Assorted candies including M&M’s, Snickers, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• Deli tray with no processed meats

Interestingly, Warrant’s rider also included an unusual request for batteries, specifying “Five 9-volt Energizer batteries (no exceptions)” and eight AA batteries, although it did not clarify whether the latter needed to be of a specific brand.

Conclusion

These fascinating insights into Poison and Warrant’s touring demands illustrate the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle of the early ’90s, characterized by both indulgence and specificity. As both bands navigated the heights of fame, their riders offered a glimpse into their personalities and preferences, showcasing the quirks of life on the road during an iconic era of music.

FAQs

What is a concert rider?

A concert rider is a document provided by artists to venues outlining their specific requirements for a performance, including technical needs, hospitality requests, and other preferences.

What was Poison’s most famous album?

Poison’s most famous album is often considered to be “Open Up and Say… Ahh!” released in 1988, which features hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.”

Did Poison tour with other bands?

Yes, during their tours, Poison often performed with various opening acts, including bands like Warrant and Cinderella during the late ’80s and early ’90s.

What is the significance of the Flesh & Blood World Tour?

The Flesh & Blood World Tour was significant for Poison as it promoted their fourth studio album, solidifying their place in the glam metal scene and showcasing their evolution as a band.