David Lee Roth Explains the Truth Behind Van Halen’s Bizarre Request for “No Brown M&M’s”

For popular musicians, they use a contract called a “rider” that serves as a list of requirements/demends for each venue where they perform. This rider includes details about their food and snack preferences, but also contains information specific to their equipment, stage setup, etc.

When they were touring many years ago, Van Halen became infamous for having a specific request that no brown M&M’s were to be present backstage. Though I’ve heard the explanation before (and it’s a great one), this is the first time I’d heard David Lee Roth talk about it on camera.

[via NPR Music, photo by Mito Habe-Evans]

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