05/26/2026
During the Appetite for Destruction era (1987–1989), the backstage tour riders for Guns N' Roses reflected a young, chaotic, and heavily substance-fueled rock band.
Unlike the massive, eccentric demands they made later during the Use Your Illusion tour, their early riders were centered entirely around cheap alcohol, junk food, and survival gear.
To understand how grounded (though wildly unhealthy) the Appetite rider was, look at how things changed just a couple of years later on the Use Your Illusion tour
The Appetite Era: Cheap wine, fast food, and ci******es.
The Illusion Era: Axl Rose demanded a private dressing room with specific square footage, a literal square-shaped bed, specific brands of organic honey, an acoustic piano, and an assortment of exotic cheeses and fine wines.
FULL RIDER on text
BAND CATERING
Twenty (20) people. Tables must be dressed with proper linen.
Must supply durable plates, knives, forks, spoons and paper
napkins. The cups are to be 16 oz. SOLO CUPS ONLY. Absolutely no
substitutions unless otherwise approved in advance.
FOOD
1 LARGE ASSORTED MEAT DELI TRAY
1 BAGS DORITO NACHO CHEESE CHIPS
4 BAGS TORTILLA CHIPS
1 16 OZ GUACAMOLE DIP
1 16 OZ COTTAGE CHEESE
1 LARGE FRESH FRUIT BASKET (ORGANIC) WHOLE, UNCUT-EXOTIC
2 16 OZ CANS SALTED MIXED NUTS
1 16 OZ CAN RAW UNSALTED CASHEWS
1 BAG DRIED FRUIT
1 8 OZ BOWL SOLID WHITE TUNA IN WATER
1 JAR HELLMANS REAL MAYONNAISE
1 LARGE ASSORTED CHEESE TRAY-BLOCK CHEESES LEFT IN WRAPPERS
DRINKS
2 CASES BUDWEISER
1 CASE BUD LIGHT
2 1/5 BOTTLES OF JACK DANIELS
2 1/5 BOTTLES STOLICHNAYA VODKA
3 CASE OF LARGE BOTTLES ARROWHEAD WATER (OR EVIAN)
1 CASE COKE CLASSIC
1 CASE DIET PEPSI
4 32 OZ BOTTLES CRANBERRY JUICE
1 CASE BECK’S LIGHT BEER
2 BOTTLES CHARDONNAY
2 16 OZ BOTTLE CARROT JUICE
1 TEA-SET UP WITH HONEY AND LEMON
1 BOTTLE OF JAGERMEISTER
MISCELLANEOUS
1 ASSORTMENT OF ADULT MAGAZINES (I.E. PENTHOUSE, PL***OY)
1 CARTON DUNHILL CI******ES
2 CARTONS OF MARLBORO RED HARD PACK CI******ES
1 CARTON CAMEL FILTER HARD PACK CI******ES