The Bizarre Backstage Rider Journey Once Made Up As A Joke — And Venues Tried To Meet It

April 1, 2025

It was a balmy summer evening in 1989 when the legendary rock band Journey was gearing up for a concert in a packed stadium. They had just finished recording their latest album, and excitement was buzzing in the air. But backstage, amid the usual chaos of pre-show preparations, something unusual was about to unfold. As a joke, the band members decided to create an outrageous “rider” — a list of demands for their green room that was so absurd it bordered on the ridiculous. They included things like a live goat, a mountain of strawberries, and a rare collection of vintage vinyl records from bands that barely anyone had heard of. The band was laughing and joking when they passed the list to their management, thinking it would never be taken seriously.

To their surprise, the next venue took the rider to heart. When the time arrived for the concert, the members of Journey found themselves greeted by an army of staff members scrambling to fulfill the bizarre requests. To their amusement, there was indeed a live goat munching on grass outside their dressing room, and every corner was decorated with an extravagant display of fresh strawberries piled high like a small mountain. Vintage records from forgotten bands filled the air with nostalgia, as the venue staff wanted to impress the legendary group. The ridiculousness thrilled Journey, and what had started as a lighthearted prank turned into a memorable experience. The band laughed, feeling more connected to one another and the music that had brought them together.

As they stepped onto the stage that night, the energy was electric. The band members fed off the positive atmosphere created by their absurd requests, feeling a profound sense of joy and camaraderie. The audience, unaware of the backstage antics, was there to hear the band’s powerful ballads and uplifting rock anthems. With every note sung and every guitar riff played, the crowd erupted in cheers. The humor behind the rider became woven into the spirit of the show, reminding everyone of the joy and spontaneity that music could bring. It was a night that resonated with both the band and the audience emotionally, emphasizing the power of laughter, connection, and creativity.

In the following weeks, the story of Journey’s outrageous backstage rider spread like wildfire. It became a legend, not just among their fans but in the music industry. Other artists began to come up with their own wild riders, inspired by Journey’s playful spirit. This sparked a new wave of camaraderie among musicians, focusing on the fun side of their profession. Journey’s willingness to embrace the ridiculous journey was a reminder that the rock and roll lifestyle could be filled with laughter and lightheartedness, even amid the seriousness of performance.

For Journey, the incident revitalized their image as a band that didn’t take themselves too seriously but was serious about their music. It emphasized their resilience and ability to adapt even in the most unexpected situations. The laughter and joy they experienced that night solidified their bond, allowing them to create even more timeless music in the years to come. In the grand tapestry of their career, this moment became a treasured memory, showcasing the importance of humor and authenticity in the face of life’s pressures.

As the years rolled on, Journey continued to tour and create, their bond strengthened by moments like the goat incident. They remained a force in rock music, proving that while the road might be filled with challenges, the heart of a true artist always finds a way to embrace the absurd and transform it into something beautiful. And for every fan who sang along to their songs, a piece of that laughter and joy thrived, making their music not just notes on a page but an everlasting celebration of life’s unpredictable journey.