DOCUMENT: Celebrity, Funny

Foo Fighters 2011 Tour Rider A Smash Hit

Backstage needs detailed in brilliant absurdist work

Foo Fighters

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Foo Fighters 2011

FOO, PART ll: More highlights from the band's 2011 tour rider

JUNE 13--Is this the greatest concert rider ever?

Already known for producing the most entertaining assemblage of tour requirements in rock, Foo Fighters returned to the road this year after a two-and-a-half-year absence. Touring in support of their new album “Wasting Light,” the group is carrying a 52-page “Tour 2011” production rider that reaches new heights of absurdist brilliance.

In fact, the document is so brimming with jokes, insults, useless facts, self-deprecation, and pop culture references that TSG will devote a second story to those highlights. This dispatch will focus on Part Seven of the rider, which was put together by Gus Brandt, the band’s veteran tour manager.

[At this point we should note that the band anticipated that a .pdf of the rider would end up being forwarded to TSG.]

Described as the group’s “Field Guide To Food Coloring Book And Activity Pages,” the section opens with a drawing of frontman Dave Grohl shredding with a fork and knife in his hand. Bassist Nate Mendel opines on what constitutes a delicious breakfast. Drummer Taylor Hawkins explains the difference between a good and bad salad. A maze leads guitarist Chris Shiflett to a bountiful catering table. And guitarist Pat Smear is shown giving the thumbs down to sweaty meats.

Promotion employees also are presented with a word hunt that, if successfully completed, will result in “leftover letters will spell out a hidden message from the Foos and crew!” Hint: Bacon is involved. Another page presents drawings of 22 items and asks catering personnel to circle ones that belong in a salad. Hint: Richard Pryor is not edible.

The activity pages close with a disquisition on ice cubes, from “total s*** to complete ecstasy.” Perfection, it turns out, emerges from the products of Hoshizaki America, which is lovingly described as the “ice-pimps of the world.” (10 pages)

Comments (6)

The Foo Fighters are one of the absolute best bands out there. They don't take themselves seriously and they are extremely entertaining. The rider just shows how freakin funny these guys are. Don't stop guys!! Piss on the ones who can't see the humor!
The perfect satire to celebrity culture, the antithesis to pop stars who crave the stink of their own farts.
This cements the Foo Fighters as the most arrogant pricks in Rock! Disappointing attitudes to go with their disappointing music!
Gimme a break. Where do people like you come from?
You, sir, are an idiot.
Second that. I couldn't care less about their music, but this is a funny rider, and it shows they are not taking themselves very seriously.