So I have a question about these riders: some of them specify a lot of specific equipment like amps and mixers... does the venue really provide that? Do they rent it, or is the listing just like a minimum spec and the artist and venue negotiate to use what is already on site at the venue?
The longer answer is it really depends on the band and the venue. (IMHO) Smaller independent bands especially like to put big speaker sets and amps on their riders, even ridiculous things like 2 line arrays for a 200-person concert in a small inclosed space. These days, once you get up to the Van Halen-sized concerts, you'll find a lot of professionalism. For smaller concerts (< 600 guests), you make it work with what's the venue can get and do the best you can, really. If it's a for-profit show, and the venue knows what they're doing, they'll rent some gear (especially amps). Usually the mixer and speakers in the venue are considered 'good enough' for budget reasons.
Also, note that they brought 9 tractor-trailers... that would be a low number today, try doubling that for big tours these days.
Power requirements back in the early days of mega-tours were a big deal. Some arenas did not have power capacity much in excess of what was necessary for the house lights and PA. An acquaintance in the mobile generating business used to tell stories about when an act like Van Halen came to town they would need to set up several semi-trailers worth of portable diesel generators at the back of the venue to be able to power their light show and amplifiers.
I've often wondered before about this. How do you plug in a big generator set without disturbing the power company? I imagine they would get pissed if all of a sudden they are getting weird frequency or voltage perturbations down the line.
Accorting to TFA, the rider includes things such as the load-bearing capacity of the area where the stage will be set up. I imagine such requirements are rather non-negotiable.
