Over the last couple of weeks we’ve seen various news reports on the supposedly ‘elitist’ Barack Obama and his choice of food and drink. Is it really that elitist to eat leafy-greens? I mean seriously folks; Obama is getting slammed for some pretty stupid things lately: bowling, arugula and not wearing an U.S. flag lapel pin every waking minute of his day. Is the press serious with this shit?!?

We as a society need to do a much better job of criticizing the candidates who will potentially be our next leader by asking questions that are relevant to the future of our country and not whether they prefer McDonald’s to Ruth’s Chris. And why is no one criticizing Hillary Clinton for this? She just spent $6.4 million more on her campaign. Is it not elitist to donate that much money to your own campaign? Oh wait, I forgot it is okay with Middle America because she consumes beer.

Barack Obama grew up in a single-parent household and on food stamps for a time. He attended some of the best colleges in the country because of his determination and ability to receive financial aid; he was a community organizer for a time in Chicago that paid little to nothing. I think Karl Rove said it worst, “You argue the son of a single working mom can’t be an elitist. But it’s not where you start in life, it’s where you end up.” Wow. Way to crush what I thought was the American Dream. The dream that no matter who you are, where you are - that if you try hard enough, have the desire and work ethic that one day you too can be as successful (read: rich like you Karl) as anyone else in Hollywood, in the political spotlight, or perhaps even a musician…which leads me to this weeks music related content: Hospitality Riders. I mean if we’re going to criticize what the candidates consume, we might as well do the same with the artists that we know and adore. READ ON to find out what musicians need to perform…

Thanks to my degree in Music Business, the ability to work up in Nashville on occasion and my current career I have had the opportunity to setup and run hospitality areas for everyone from Widespread Panic to Hootie & the Blowfish. Panic recently played at my work and I had the opportunity to go on a grocery store run for their chef. You know what I picked up? Vegetables and tons of them (including leeks)!

One can only assume this was for juice. But does this request from the band seem elitist to you? Will you shun them because of what they need to eat in order to perform?

Just for kicks let’s look at some artists elitist or odd requests. After all, they can refuse to perform if their rider is not met – it is part of the contractual agreement between the venue/promoter and artist. I’d really hate to miss a Panic show if the band didn’t get their proper nutrients. So without further ado…

Check out other performer’s riders over at the Smoking Gun.

And don’t worry Cheese; Obama drinks the best beer in the world (that’s not in a green bottle). The one and only Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Cheers!

The Tennessee Rounders - Pabst Blue Ribbon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox_r3WdA-G8