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Breakfast on the Road: It’s Not Always Glamorous
Forget the hotel buffet fantasy. Many musicians start their day grabbing whatever they can find: gas station coffee, lukewarm oatmeal, or maybe a granola bar if they’re lucky. A 2024 survey by Pollstar found that 67% of touring musicians reported skipping a proper breakfast at least three times a week. Portable, calorie-dense foods like bananas, yogurt, or breakfast burritos are popular because time is tight. The “rockstar breakfast” is more about convenience than luxury. Some artists try to eat protein-heavy to stay energized, but it’s more often about what’s available. Sometimes, local fans bring pastries or fruit to the venue, which can be a lifesaver. Breakfast is rarely Instagram-worthy for most musicians on tour.
Green Room Snacks: Fuel Before the Show
The green room is usually stocked with snacks, but don’t picture a feast. Crackers, nuts, chips, and fruit are standard. A study by Billboard in late 2023 showed that 81% of bands request healthy snacks like hummus, sliced veggies, and trail mix on their riders, but end up with candy and chips half the time. These snacks are chosen for quick energy and minimal mess. Some venues get creative, offering local specialties or homemade cookies. For many, the green room is where musicians sneak in calories before a long set. Hydration is key, too—most riders include coconut water or sports drinks to fight dehydration under hot stage lights. The green room snack table is less about indulgence and more about survival.
Catering: Sometimes a Blessing, Sometimes a Mystery
On larger tours, catering can be a treat—or a disaster. Survey data from Music Industry Insights (2024) revealed that 52% of artists described venue catering as “hit or miss.” Some caterers prepare hot meals, ranging from pasta bars to vegan curries. Others serve bland, reheated trays of food. Dietary restrictions—vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free—have become more common in artists’ contracts, reflecting a shift toward healthier eating. But there are nights when musicians end up eating whatever is left, even if it’s cold pizza or wilted salad. When catering is good, it’s celebrated; when it’s bad, musicians bond over the shared struggle.
Fast Food: The Unavoidable Reality
Fast food chains are the unsung heroes (or villains) of touring. A 2023 Rolling Stone reader poll found that McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Subway are the most common stops for artists crisscrossing the country. Sometimes it’s a matter of timing—after a late show, only drive-thrus are open. The convenience is hard to beat, but most musicians admit it’s not ideal. Some try to make healthier choices, like grilled chicken or salads, but late-night cravings often win. There’s a sense of camaraderie over shared fries in a van after midnight. Fast food is the backbone of many tours, for better or worse.
Tour Bus Kitchens: Making Do with the Basics
Not all musicians travel in luxury buses, but those who do often have tiny kitchens. According to a 2024 article in Variety, only 34% of touring acts have access to a microwave, mini-fridge, or hot plate on their bus. Still, these little kitchens get a lot of use. Musicians heat up canned soup, make sandwiches, or even blend protein shakes. Some bring their own coffee makers or slow cookers for a taste of home. There’s pride in making a decent meal in a cramped space. For many, the bus kitchen is a refuge from greasy takeout and stale snacks.
Local Cuisine: Exploring New Flavors
Touring is a passport to new tastes. Many musicians look forward to trying regional dishes—barbecue in Memphis, ramen in Tokyo, curry in London. A 2024 interview series by NME highlighted that 58% of touring artists make it a point to seek out local food when time allows. Sometimes, fans recommend hidden gems or invite bands for home-cooked meals. Sampling local cuisine is a way to break up the monotony and connect with each city. It’s not always possible, but those lucky chances become tour highlights.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The Changing Rider
More musicians are ditching meat and dairy on tour. Spotify’s 2024 backstage report found a 20% increase in vegan and vegetarian rider requests compared to 2019. This shift is driven by health, ethics, and the desire to avoid feeling sluggish before a gig. Venues are catching up, offering plant-based burgers, salads, and dairy-free desserts. For some, it’s about consistency—knowing what to expect in any city. The rise of vegan-friendly fast food chains has also made it easier for artists to stick to their diets on the go.
Energy Drinks and Supplements: The Secret Boosters
Long nights and endless travel mean musicians need all the energy they can get. Energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster are staples in most green rooms, as reported by Billboard in 2024. Multivitamins, protein bars, and electrolyte tablets are common, too. These supplements help offset poor sleep and irregular meals. Some artists swear by herbal teas or CBD gummies to calm nerves. The right mix of boosters can mean the difference between a killer performance and running on empty.
Hydration: The Struggle Is Real
Staying hydrated is a constant battle on tour. A 2024 study by the Touring Health Institute noted that 44% of musicians reported dehydration symptoms during multi-city runs. Bottled water is everywhere—on stage, in the van, in hotel rooms. Many artists avoid alcohol before shows to keep their voices clear and energy up. Sports drinks and coconut water are popular for their electrolytes. Sometimes, skipping water leads to headaches or even voice loss, which can be disastrous mid-tour. Hydration is one of the few non-negotiables backstage.
Alcohol: Myth vs. Reality
The stereotype of hard-partying musicians is fading. According to Live Nation’s 2024 survey, 61% of artists say they drink less during tours than fans might think. Many skip alcohol before shows to stay sharp. Post-show drinks are still a tradition, but not every night. Some bands have a “one drink limit” before performing, while others avoid it completely to protect their health and vocal cords. There’s growing awareness that excessive drinking can derail a tour, and more artists are choosing mocktails or sparkling water instead.
Post-Show Meals: The Midnight Dilemma
After a show, hunger hits hard. Most restaurants are closed, so musicians rely on what’s left in the green room, hotel vending machines, or 24-hour diners. A 2023 report by Vice found that pizza, fried chicken, and burgers are the most common post-show meals. Some artists stash protein bars or instant noodles in their bags for these moments. The challenge is finding something filling that won’t upset their stomach before bedtime. Post-show meals are rarely glamorous, but they’re often the most satisfying.
Food Allergies and Sensitivities: Navigating the Minefield
Dealing with food allergies on tour is stressful. A 2024 survey by the Musicians’ Health Collective showed that 23% of touring artists have at least one major dietary restriction. Venues are more aware now, labeling allergens and providing gluten-free or nut-free options. Still, cross-contamination is a risk, especially with rushed catering. Some musicians travel with their own food or emergency snacks just in case. Managing allergies on the road means extra planning, but it’s become more common and accepted in the industry.
Comfort Foods: A Taste of Home
Touring can be lonely, and food is a powerful comfort. According to a 2024 feature in The Guardian, artists often crave familiar foods—mac and cheese, peanut butter sandwiches, or mom’s cookies. Some pack their favorite snacks or ask loved ones to send care packages. These comfort foods help ease homesickness and provide emotional support during tough stretches. Even a gas station candy bar can feel like a little piece of home on a long night.
Healthy Habits: Fighting the Temptation
Maintaining healthy eating habits on tour is tough. The 2024 Musicians’ Wellness Survey found that only 29% of touring musicians stick to a regular meal schedule. The temptation to eat junk food is everywhere, but more artists are making an effort—ordering salads, drinking water, and skipping dessert. Some travel with meal prep containers or join gyms on the road. It’s a constant battle between convenience and self-care, but awareness is growing.
Food Delivery Apps: Technology to the Rescue
The rise of food delivery apps has changed the game for touring musicians. Services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Deliveroo let artists order healthy meals to hotels or venues, no matter the hour. A 2024 TechCrunch report showed a 35% increase in food delivery orders from touring acts over the past year. These apps make it easier to avoid fast food and stick to dietary needs. Musicians can try local favorites without leaving the venue or bus, saving precious time and energy.
International Tours: Navigating the Unknown
Touring abroad brings new food adventures and challenges. Language barriers, unfamiliar ingredients, and different meal times can be tricky. According to a 2024 travel survey by Songkick, 41% of musicians say they rely on local tour managers or translators to help order safe and satisfying meals. Some pack familiar snacks or stock up at international grocery stores. Trying new foods is part of the thrill, but it also means being flexible and prepared for surprises.
Group Meals: Building Band Camaraderie
Eating together on tour is about more than food—it builds bonds. Shared meals in bus lounges, backstage, or tiny diners are where inside jokes and memories are made. A 2023 study by Musicians’ Union found that bands who eat together report higher morale and less tour-related stress. Sometimes, these meals are simple—pizza in a parking lot or takeout on the bus. But the act of gathering, even for 20 minutes, creates a sense of family on the road.
Celebrity Riders: The Wild Requests
Some artists make headlines for their wild food demands. In 2024, stories circulated about pop stars requesting only blue M&Ms or organic kombucha in their green rooms. While most requests are more practical, the rider is a way to ensure comfort and control amid chaos. A few high-profile musicians use their riders to promote sustainability—asking for reusable water bottles or locally sourced produce. These stories fuel the myth of rockstar excess, but for most, the requests are about meeting real dietary needs.
Budget Bands: Making Every Dollar Count
Not all musicians tour in luxury. Indie bands and newcomers often operate on shoestring budgets, stretching every dollar. A 2024 Pitchfork article detailed how some groups pool money for groceries, cook simple meals in motel microwaves, or survive on dollar-menu items. Creativity is key—rice and beans, peanut butter, and ramen noodles are staples. The struggle to eat well on a budget is real, but it’s also a badge of honor for many up-and-coming acts.
Food and Performance: How Diet Impacts the Show
What musicians eat can make or break a performance. Heavy, greasy foods can sap energy and affect vocals, while balanced meals help artists stay sharp on stage. A 2024 study from the Performance Health Journal found that musicians who prioritize nutrition reported fewer sick days and stronger shows. Some avoid dairy or spicy foods before singing, while others load up on carbs for energy. The connection between diet and performance is more recognized than ever in the industry.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
