It's not unknown for the riders to be generated by the band's management, and for the performers to know nothing about them....

I remember hearing a story about a touring band arriving at a venue, being shown into their dressing room, where a buffet had been provided. As soon as they went into the room the rant started.... "Sushi!! What is it with this country? Everywhere we go, all they serve is sushi. We hate the stuff, but everyone serves it"

They were then shown the rider that specified sushi, which explained why they had been served nothing else for the previous 3 weeks touring....


(Disclaimer - it might not have been sushi, but you get the picture. It's been a long time since I heard the story...)

I also know of a touring sound engineer who specified some obscure piece of equipment on the rider, knowing that nobody could supply it, along with a comment saying that if this piece of kit was not provided, they should phone him to make alternative arrangements. The sole purpose of this clause was to ensure that the venue called him in advance to discuss technical details; 90% of the time he would be happy with whatever kit was available in the venue.