Revealed: White Stripes Tour Rider

[*Annie*]

THE MODERN AGE
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Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Revealed: White Stripes Tour Rider
Here it is according to some Russian site. Link via Candy Cane Children message board:

The White Stripes Want A Children's Piano And Baby Carrots

Everything is fine. The group is visiting us while they are world famous and not twenty years after the height of their fame. But looking at the list of requirements for the concert organisers (rider) in Kaliningrad, you understand, that those Americans Jack and Meg White must be kidding.

Let us begin with the fact that, as a rule, The White Stripes require not less than $100,000 to appear but they reduced this price for Kaliningrad. They were pleased by the photos of Club Vagonka found on the internet and thought that it would be an honour to be involved in the 750th anniversary celebrations.

For the sake of fairness let us note that The White Stripes made life easy for the organisers as they bring the entire trailer of sound equipment with them. The only thing they asked for was a small children's piano. And thus far it has been impossible to find it. Then the everyday rider of the popular group became a real puzzle for the local concert promoters, which they are still trying to solve.

What The White Stripes definitely won't get in Kaliningrad:

"12 bottles of Labatt's Beer" - you could find this Canadian beverage at an international airport like Frankfurt but it is unheard of in Kaliningrad

"24 bottles of non-carbonated Volvic mineral water" - although we are the most western city in Russia, this type of mineral water is about as familiar to us as a double barreled shotgun would have been to the American Indians when Columbus landed

"1 litre of soybean milk from non-GM soy" - we in Russia do not show whether items contain genetically modified ingredients

"1 small jar of natural peanut butter"

"Several bags of corn chips and a jar of salsa (sharp Mexican sauce)" - Apparently, organizers will have to treat the Americans with popcorn and adzhika (it's sort of like salsa, but sweeter and has bell peppers in it)

"Doritos potato chips - original flavour"

"Bag of Pepperidge Farm cookies" - this British treat may be gathering dust on the shelves of a Moscow epicure but cannot be found in our city.

We should be able to locate these other items:

"12 bottles of Corona beer"

"1 bottle of Jameson whisky"

"1 bottle of red wine - Cabernet or Merlot for $12-15 and a bottle opener"

"1 litre of freshly squeezed orange juice with no added sugar"

"12 cans of Coca-Cola"

"8 cans of Red Bull energy drink" - marked as being very important

"Note: it is very important that there is plenty of ice and that it is changed regularly"

"Fresh vegetables: baby carrots, green and red peppers"

"Apples and bananas"

"One packet of artificial sweetener"

"Two packs of Camel Light cigarettes"

Everythng is red and white. The name 'The White Stripes' came about as a result of Meg White's fondness as a child for red and white candy. And, until now, therefore, Meg and Jack pay tribute to that dear candy by only wearing red and white clothing.

By the way: Meg and Jack are living in their trailer (I think they mean tour bus?) as they need to cross the border into Poland after the concert.

There really isn't anything strange or demanding about that rider except the 100,000 dollar asking price.