When you think of the legendary band The Highwaymen and the 80s and 90s, you may immediately think of crazy parties, drugs, and booze. Well, when they went on tour, it turns out they abstained from the sinful substances.
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Of course Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson had a history of substance consumption and abuse. When forming the band, however, it was only Johnny Cash who still struggled greatly with addiction. Although he was still in the throws of trying to stay sober.
As it happens, The Highwaymen didn't go crazy while on tour, at least according to a tour rider that's surfaced.
Johnny Cash's X account posted a "dressing room rider from a Highwaymen Tour. Simple requests." And there's not a drop of alcohol to be found.
Of course, it's entirely likely that drinks and other substances were snuck in, or brought in off-the-books. But if they stuck true to their tour rider, then a much more wholesome picture is painted of their time back stage.
The Surprising Drinks Of Choice For The Highwaymen
It turns out that The Highwaymen lived off coffee, soft drinks, and fruit while on tour.
Each of them requested spring water, fruit, and 12 soft drinks, either Coca-Cola, Sprite, or a mix of both. They all also enjoyed hot coffee, aside from Kris Kristofferson, who prefered iced coffee.
Alongside these drinks, Johnny Cash also drank fruit juice (as did Kristofferson) and hot tea with honey and lemon. Which is a standard soothing drink to keep the throat in working order. I know the drink isn't for everyone, but I am surprised to see only Johnny Cash ordering it.
It's a nice thought, to think that the four legends of country sat around enjoying their soft drinks and fruit together. I can't imagine Willie Nelson without a blunt in his hand, and the wholesome image of him enjoying some fruit is a mildly amusing one.
This isn't to suggest they didn't party together, although I wouldn't be totally surprised. Considering most were trying to, or had, stopped drinking and taking drugs before the band even formed, I imagine they also operated as a support group of sorts.
