Over the past couple of years, The Smoking Gun has published excerpts from the backstage riders of a few dozen performers. But that assemblage has not been extensive enough for demanding TSG visitors, so we've gone out and obtained loads of new riders. So many, in fact, that our backstage collection now covers a whopping 234 acts--everyone from Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones to Kenny G and KC & the Sunshine Band.

The contract rider includes specifications on stage design, sound systems, lighting rigs, as well as an artist's wish list--from transportation and billing to dressing room accommodations and meals. In some cases, a promoter will refuse a demand (crossing out the request on the document), though stars usually get what they want, whether it's clean boxer shorts (Jane's Addiction), prune juice (Kansas), or an arrangement of tulips, roses, gardenias, and lilies (Janet Jackson).

For some groups, TSG has obtained riders from more than one tour, so we've chosen excerpts from the most entertaining document in the lot. In addition, we've used red arrows to point out some interesting sections on individual riders--though we're sure you'll find many other personal favorites. And since we've now built a permanent home for these backstage documents, we'll add riders to this section as we obtain them, so check back to see what's new.