When it comes to live concert riders, musicians can be particular—sometimes even downright bizarre. While some requests are simple (fresh towels, specific snacks, etc.), others take things to a whole new level of eccentricity. One of the quirkiest and most famous requests in music history revolves around one seemingly simple candy: M&Ms.
Yes, M&Ms—those colorful, bite-sized chocolates—have become a symbol of rock star demands, particularly in the case of two legendary bands. It all started with Van Halen, and since then, other artists have made their own strange M&M-related requests. But why M&Ms? What’s the deal with the candy? Let’s break down some of the most famous M&M-related requests made by musicians over the years.
1. Van Halen’s “Brown M&M” Rule
The most famous M&M rider request comes from the legendary rock band Van Halen. In the 1980s, the band’s rider—like many rock stars’ riders—was filled with an extensive list of specific requirements, including the highly memorable “No brown M&Ms” rule. The band requested that all the brown M&Ms be removed from the candy bowls that were provided backstage.
On the surface, this might seem like a diva-like, senseless demand. But there was a method to this madness. Van Halen’s live shows in the 1980s were notorious for their elaborate, high-risk pyrotechnics and complicated stage setups, which required extremely detailed specifications. As part of their contract, they included the brown M&M rule as a test. If they walked into their dressing room and found brown M&Ms in the bowl, it meant that the venue had likely missed other important details or safety requirements for the show. It was their way of ensuring that the promoters and venue staff had read the entire rider thoroughly and taken their safety requirements seriously.
It was a genius—and very quirky—way to check if the venue was paying attention to the fine print. In fact, Van Halen’s frontman, David Lee Roth, later revealed in his autobiography that on at least one occasion, they found brown M&Ms and, as a result, had the entire stage setup inspected for potential safety issues. The M&M rule wasn’t just about candy—it was a way to safeguard the entire show.
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers: “No Green M&Ms”
Van Halen’s brown M&M rule was so legendary that it inspired other musicians to make similar candy-related requests. Enter Red Hot Chili Peppers, who made a similar demand in their concert riders: they requested that there be no green M&Ms backstage.
Just like Van Halen, the band was using this request as a test. The idea was to ensure that the venue’s staff were thoroughly reading their rider, just as Van Halen did with the brown M&Ms. By making this seemingly trivial request, they could determine if the venue was taking care of the more important and technical aspects of the show, such as sound, lighting, and safety precautions.
Interestingly, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are known for their love of fun and spontaneity, so their candy-related rider was part of their more playful, tongue-in-cheek approach to rock ‘n’ roll. It also speaks to how riders can be a way to gauge the professionalism of a venue. If you couldn’t get the M&Ms right, what else might you have missed?
3. Kiss and Their Sweet Tooth
Kiss, the iconic glam rock band, is no stranger to elaborate backstage demands. Their riders have included some pretty over-the-top requests, including massive amounts of candy. While they didn’t specifically ask for no brown or green M&Ms like Van Halen or the Chili Peppers, they did have a penchant for candy in general. Their backstage snack list has included “12 dozen roses” and various types of candy, with M&Ms often featured prominently.
The band’s larger-than-life stage antics and personalities are reflected in their extravagant demands, and while they didn’t make an M&M-specific rule, their sweet-tooth tendencies are well-documented. Like many artists, they used the candy as part of a much bigger picture—ensuring that everything on their rider was taken seriously.
4. Miley Cyrus and Her Love of M&Ms
Pop star Miley Cyrus is another artist known for her fondness for M&Ms, although her requests were less about testing venues and more about indulging her sweet tooth. For her 2014 tour, Miley’s rider included a specific request for M&Ms—but not just any M&Ms. She asked for a variety of different colors, ensuring that she could have the full spectrum of candy available backstage.
Miley’s love for M&Ms isn’t just limited to the candy itself—she’s also known to share her M&M-loving moments with fans on social media. It’s a quirky and fun request, much like her overall persona, and highlights how some artists make their riders a reflection of their personalities and habits.
5. Beyoncé’s Specific Candy Requests
Beyoncé is known for her meticulous attention to detail when it comes to her live shows, and her riders reflect that. While not known for a specific “M&M rule” like Van Halen or the Chili Peppers, Beyoncé has been known to request specific snacks, including M&Ms. She’s also included a wide variety of candy and sweets for her team and entourage, creating an entire candy-filled experience backstage. For Beyoncé, it’s all about ensuring that everything is perfect for herself and her crew, so having the right snacks is just part of the overall vibe.
6. Other Celebrities with Quirky Candy Requests
While Van Halen and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are the two most famous bands to request specific M&Ms in their riders, they’re far from alone in having candy-based demands. Other artists have included M&Ms or candy in their backstage lists, whether it’s for their own enjoyment or to satisfy their crew’s sweet tooth. Pop stars, rock bands, and even some country musicians have been known to make requests for candy varieties—though usually without the specific “no green” or “no brown” rules.
Why the M&M Requests Matter
So, what’s the takeaway here? Are M&Ms just a fun snack, or do they serve a deeper purpose in the world of musicians’ concert demands? For many artists, these quirky candy requests are a way of testing the waters—ensuring that venues and promoters are attentive to the often very specific and important details that go into putting on a great show. It’s a creative way of making sure everything—from the sound system to the snacks—is taken care of.
For some musicians, these candy-related requests are just part of their larger-than-life personalities, adding an element of fun and indulgence to the proceedings. Whether it’s checking for brown M&Ms or ensuring a candy buffet is available, these unusual requests are a reflection of the unique relationship between artists and their backstage world. It’s rock ‘n’ roll, after all, and sometimes the weirdest requests are the ones that get the most attention!