Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

The one that started it all. Spreading gossip and insults since 1998.

Moderator: Metal Sludge

User avatar
Marshall_Stackhouse
Playing at a Friend's Party
Posts: 186
Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:46 am

Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Marshall_Stackhouse »

If you're okay with bands using backing tracks during live shows, you're a bigger person than I am. When I pay for a live performance, I expect to hear the real thing, not prerecorded tracks. It begs the question: which legendary bands from the '70s, '80s, and '90s are using them today? In the spirit of saving our hard-earned cash, can we call them out here?
These are people who want you to write sanctimonious stories about the genius of rock stars, and they will ruin rock and roll and strangle everything we love about it.

-Lester Bangs
User avatar
DemonFilth2001
Signed to a Major Label Multi-Album Deal
Posts: 18276
Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2006 3:59 pm
Location: North Carolina

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by DemonFilth2001 »

EPMD and Big Daddy Kane.
KEYBOARD WARRIOR!
User avatar
Black Stuff
Playing Second Stage at SludgeFest
Posts: 5977
Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2020 1:24 pm
Location: Blotz's Treehouse

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Black Stuff »

Deep Purple, Stryper, Crue, PISS, WASP
The power of Sludge compels you.
User avatar
LurkingAtWork
Pimping Your Demo At Shows
Posts: 422
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2016 7:50 pm

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by LurkingAtWork »

All of them.
Wednesday 13 Fan
Headlining Clubs
Posts: 2178
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2021 10:32 am

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Wednesday 13 Fan »

I've heard of being late to the party, but this is pathetic. 🤣
ParaDime77
Signed to a Major Label Multi-Album Deal
Posts: 18097
Joined: Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:39 am
Location: North Dakota

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by ParaDime77 »

Journey
Everyone Is Someone Else's Bitch
User avatar
kwf
Headlining Clubs
Posts: 2709
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:31 am
Location: Boston
Contact:

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by kwf »

Motley can't play without tracks...KISS Paul Stanley on the EOTR tour
Total Package
User avatar
HottKarl777
Headlining Clubs
Posts: 2152
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 3:38 pm

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by HottKarl777 »

Wednesday 13 Fan wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 11:14 am I've heard of being late to the party, but this is pathetic. 🤣


The dude has been a member for 20 years and has 180 posts. This is like seeing a unicorn. Relish it.
User avatar
FreddyFender
Debut Album Goes Gold
Posts: 4013
Joined: Wed Feb 14, 2018 12:36 am

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by FreddyFender »

When I go to hear a singer, I expect him to be able to sing above the orchestra with the strength of his own voice, not this fake bullshit “electronic amplified” crooner shit that Frank Sinatra and all those pretty boy FAKERS are doing.

If your voice isn’t strong enough to sing without the aid of a microphone, GET OFF THE STAGE.
User avatar
Chip Z'Hoy
Playing First Stage at SludgeFest
Posts: 30692
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2012 12:29 pm
Location: Between here and there

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Chip Z'Hoy »

I saw a Frankie Valli live video and I am 94% confident he uses backing tracks.
daveg
Doing Package Tours in Theaters
Posts: 5256
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:19 am

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by daveg »

I'm really past the point of caring about backing tracks.
User avatar
Nate S Axel
Headlining Clubs
Posts: 2400
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 2:17 am
Location: DTLV

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Nate S Axel »

Wednesday 13 Fan wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 11:14 am I've heard of being late to the party, but this is pathetic. 🤣
Be nice, he still uses Internet Explorer.
"If you find yourself in a fat bitch pussy just remember it's because you're broke." (Kanye West)
User avatar
SterileEyes1
Doing Package Tours in Theaters
Posts: 5185
Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:53 pm

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by SterileEyes1 »

It would be quicker to list the major touring acts who don’t.

I find it absolutely infuriating when random people in my life say they don’t care, “it sounded great!”

There is nothing rock n’ roll about bumper bowling. What the fuck. [Edit - to be clear, I mean lead vocals and other things that people are already supposedly doing onstage, not intro tapes or Van Halen-style keyboard tracks].

People love to blame phones for why audiences are so lame at shows in the past 10-15 years. That’s part of it. I’d say at least half the reason is because most of the shows are fake and risk-free.
Last edited by SterileEyes1 on Mon Sep 30, 2024 5:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
My Video Covers: https://www.youtube.com/@therealjeffstein/

"Diary Of A Madman"
"Aja"
"I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide”
“Sludge Factory”
"Locomotive"

My Original Music: https://jeffstein.bandcamp.com
User avatar
Danzig in the Dark
Signed to a Major Label Multi-Album Deal
Posts: 22348
Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:39 pm

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Danzig in the Dark »

Chip Z'Hoy wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 2:34 pm I saw a Frankie Valli live video and I am 94% confident he uses backing tracks.
I suspect they used necromancy too.
ImageImage
User avatar
Hatchets Molly
Headlining Clubs
Posts: 2562
Joined: Tue May 24, 2022 1:16 pm

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Hatchets Molly »

If a band uses backing tracks for instruments that aren’t part of the band (like keyboards in a guitar driven band), I don’t mind. If backing tracks are used for a fuller guitar sound or to make up for vocal deficiencies, I don’t go.
Tommy
MSX Tour Support Act
Posts: 4221
Joined: Fri Apr 29, 2005 10:39 am

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Tommy »

I think it's weird to not care. Imagine being cool with a burger when you ordered a filet.
User avatar
Nate S Axel
Headlining Clubs
Posts: 2400
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 2:17 am
Location: DTLV

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Nate S Axel »

Tommy wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 5:58 pm I think it's weird to not care. Imagine being cool with a burger when you ordered a filet.
Honestly, I couldn't care less. If you wanted a filet, you wouldn't be at a rock concert in the first place. Maybe the opera?

That entire era was the equivalent of "fast food" at its best... and WE LOVE OUR FAST FOOD!
https://forums.metalsludge.tv/forums/vi ... 4&t=386935

Most concerts are more of an experience. You're there with friends, it's packed, it's loud, you're drinking, and just having a good time. WhY sO SeRiOuS? Most of the time you can't hear all of the vocals anyway, let alone trying to decipher who is or isn't using backing tracks.

As long as the tape doesn't skip ("Girl you know it's... girl you know it's... girl you know it's..."), more power to them.

It's fun having fun, so I'll pass on the filet.
"If you find yourself in a fat bitch pussy just remember it's because you're broke." (Kanye West)
Hellbound
Having Slaughter Open for You
Posts: 1296
Joined: Tue Jul 21, 2009 10:33 pm

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Hellbound »

Jimi Hendrix's albums were full on studio jobs and he said that live the songs will be different to the record and that if you want to hear the record then listen to that.

I agree. Fuck laptops and backing tracks.
User avatar
kytepunches
Doing Package Tours in Theaters
Posts: 5237
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:49 am
Location: America’s snowy Hat

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by kytepunches »

I think Milli Vanilli used tracks. But i could be wrong .
poserboy71
Recording Debut Album
Posts: 782
Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2009 7:52 pm
Location: Youngstown,Ohio

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by poserboy71 »

Enuff Z'Nuff
Chip cannot match his lead vocal to the tracks and is off key and out of time for most of the night.

They would sound a lot better without the tracks.
Last edited by poserboy71 on Wed Oct 02, 2024 9:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Masturbation is not an option, IT'S A PREFERENCE
User avatar
mrspeedgene
Headlining Clubs
Posts: 2775
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:35 am

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by mrspeedgene »

Priest has used tracks at LEAST since Halford returned.
They laughed at their gods
And fought them in vain
So he turned his
back on them
And left them in pain
WentEast
Picking a Band Name
Posts: 125
Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2023 12:20 pm

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by WentEast »

Black Stuff wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 11:08 am Deep Purple, Stryper, Crue, PISS, WASP
Purple? Really?

I saw them a few years ago (w/Alice Cooper) and Ian Gillan sure as hell was live (he sounded pretty rough, and there was NOOOO Child in Time).

Don Airey was the night’s MVP, followed by Ian Paice and Roger Glover. Steve Morse way overplayed.

Glad I saw them though.
User avatar
Black Stuff
Playing Second Stage at SludgeFest
Posts: 5977
Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2020 1:24 pm
Location: Blotz's Treehouse

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Black Stuff »

WentEast wrote: Tue Oct 01, 2024 7:39 am
Black Stuff wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 11:08 am Deep Purple, Stryper, Crue, PISS, WASP
Purple? Really?

I saw them a few years ago (w/Alice Cooper) and Ian Gillan sure as hell was live (he sounded pretty rough, and there was NOOOO Child in Time).

Don Airey was the night’s MVP, followed by Ian Paice and Roger Glover. Steve Morse way overplayed.

Glad I saw them though.
saw them a few weeks back, went from sounding very rough and low, to classic screams with a diff tone. Had to be tracks of some sort
The power of Sludge compels you.
Grendel
Headlining Clubs
Posts: 2317
Joined: Sat Apr 11, 2020 11:22 am

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Grendel »

Hellbound wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 7:43 pm Jimi Hendrix's albums were full on studio jobs and he said that live the songs will be different to the record and that if you want to hear the record then listen to that.

I agree. Fuck laptops and backing tracks.
There was some idiot in another thread recently who said that Hendrix sucked and didn't play well live :lol:
HeavyMetalZombie666 wrote:Learn the concept of keep your mouth shut or you will remained foed.
HoldenSSV
Showcasing for A&R Reps
Posts: 613
Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2023 5:39 am
Location: Buckeye Nation

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by HoldenSSV »

I've said this before - if I was the sound guy responsible for playing the backing tracks, I would adjust the levels so that the bass was non-existent and the treble was up too high so that it sounded weak and thin.

It would be a lot harder to tell.
"Copying off of one person is called plagiarism.
Copying off of ten people is called research."
User avatar
Black Stuff
Playing Second Stage at SludgeFest
Posts: 5977
Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2020 1:24 pm
Location: Blotz's Treehouse

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Black Stuff »

The power of Sludge compels you.
Wednesday 13 Fan
Headlining Clubs
Posts: 2178
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2021 10:32 am

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Wednesday 13 Fan »

Grendel wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 8:25 am
Hellbound wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 7:43 pm Jimi Hendrix's albums were full on studio jobs and he said that live the songs will be different to the record and that if you want to hear the record then listen to that.

I agree. Fuck laptops and backing tracks.
There was some idiot in another thread recently who said that Hendrix sucked and didn't play well live :lol:
I wouldn't say he sucked, but he really wasn't great live. I thought that was pretty well known.
User avatar
eddie lee roth
Signed to a Major Label Multi-Album Deal
Posts: 15163
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:14 am
Location: In front of a computer screen

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by eddie lee roth »

Image
Image
Tommy2Tone84
Signed to a Major Label Multi-Album Deal
Posts: 23024
Joined: Wed May 10, 2006 6:04 am

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Tommy2Tone84 »

Grendel wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 8:25 am
Hellbound wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 7:43 pm Jimi Hendrix's albums were full on studio jobs and he said that live the songs will be different to the record and that if you want to hear the record then listen to that.

I agree. Fuck laptops and backing tracks.
There was some idiot in another thread recently who said that Hendrix sucked and didn't play well live :lol:

He didn’t play well live at times. :lol:
User avatar
Bono Nettencourt
Headlining a Theater Tour
Posts: 6139
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2022 12:32 pm

Re: Call out lame ass bands using backing tracks

Post by Bono Nettencourt »

It depended. The 60s weren't a good time for concerts in general. They were still feeling it out. His transcendent moments were truly transcendent, however. Band of Gypsys and Woodstock are all-time great performances.
veritas wrote: Wed May 21, 2025 3:37 pm Wow, late to this thread, but Sleek is pulling a Moggio here.

It's absolutely idiotic to contend Zep weren't A-listers in the 1970s.
Post Reply