Frank Sinatra may have to change his nickname from “Chairman of the Board” to “Chairman of the Cupboard” following the circulation of the singer’s rider on social media. For those unfamiliar with a rider, this document outlines a set of requests that must be met for an artist to agree to perform, and Sinatra’s has a few items that definitely might come as a surprise.
From Campbell’s Chicken & Rice Soup to a bag of Tootsie Rolls, “Ol’ Blue Eyes” even made sure to ask for Luden’s Cough Drops from some of the greatest venues in the country.
Keeping true to his Italian heritage, other demands on the rider include red and white wine (along with an assortment of alcohol, sodas, and mixers), a cheese tray, and a platter of hor d’oeuvres. These aren’t the only foods Sinatra requires to perform though, as he requests several types of seafood (jumbo shrimp and salmon), sandwiches (egg salad, chicken salad, and sliced turkey), and snacks (fruit platter, lifesavers, pretzels, and chips) as well.
Of course, the acclaimed entertainer would never leave out his prized Camel cigarettes either which, along with a few other items on the list, represent several of the mementos that his family and friends placed in his casket when he passed away in 1998.
Aside from the contents of the dressing room, the rider also lists the requirements for the dressing room itself. Not only did Sinatra receive his own exclusive dressing room, but it had to contain carpet, adjustable climate control, running water, a bathroom (with a shower and full-length mirror), furniture, and a dressing area. Further to this, the accommodations call for a dressing room for the opening act, a production office, an exclusive room for musical personnel, and band rooms.
Which of these requests surprised you most?
