Normally, riders flow one way – from the band to the venue. A shopping list of backstage comforts, tech demands and the occasional diva flourish.
But ahead of the Foo Fighters’ sold-out, one-night-only Australian show in Launceston this Saturday, Tasmania has reversed the power dynamic.
Instead of waiting on the band’s demands, the state has effectively issued a rider of its own – a cultural, culinary and tourism-driven welcome that positions the gig as far more than a concert.
It’s a destination moment, engineered for national attention.
It’s a clever bit of brand theatre: turning the familiar pre-gig ritual on its head, and using one of the world’s biggest rock acts to spotlight Tasmania itself – not just as a host, but as the headline act in its own right.
In a market where live music, tourism and state branding are increasingly intertwined, Tasmania’s move is less stunt and more strategy.
The show may be sold out, but the state is making sure the story travels well beyond the stadium.
Shared on social media on Thursday (January 22nd), the official Tasmania social accounts created a “rider proposal” for the Foo Fighters, complete with beverage and food options, as well as after-show catering.
Riders were originally designed as practical parts of contracts – spelling out technical requirements, catering and security – but quickly became a playground for excess and mischief.
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Van Halen’s infamous demand for a bowl of M&Ms with all the brown ones removed became legend, later revealed as a safety test to make sure venues had actually read the contract.
Over the years, riders have ranged from Prince’s insistence on specific lighting and scents to Beyoncé’s exacting catering standards to Iggy Pop’s request for a life-size cardboard cutout of himself.
The show at UTAS Stadium is a big deal by any measure. It’s the Foo Fighters’ only Australian date currently on the books, their first Australian show since 2023, and one of the largest live music events the state has ever hosted.
Tickets sold out almost instantly.
“We have a very special relationship with Tasmania – as we do with all of Australia,” Dave Grohl said when the show was announced.
“To come down and have a special night is amazing… even though we’re literally flying down for 48 hours… We’ll go onstage and blast it out for three hours, then come home. I’ve always loved Australia so much; we’ve been coming down a long time, and it’s always felt like home.”
Foo Fighters will be joined at the Launceston show by Brisbane’s Full Flower Moon Band and hometown trio, Spooky Eyes.