Emily Armstrong is being accused of using backing tracks during live shows.
During the final chorus of ‘Heavy Is the Crown,’ Armstrong sings, ‘Fire in the sunrise, ashes raining down / Try—’ and holds the mic out to the crowd. The rest of the song, ‘…to hold it in, but it keeps bleeding out,’ continues to play in her voice. She brings the mic back to her mouth, stumbles through a line, then finishes strongly with, ‘Heavy is the—heavy is the crown.’
Naturally, fans realized there was a backing track, and she received different reactions from fans. “It’s definitely a vocal backing track,” a user wrote about the footage, but supported the singer instead of slamming her. “A lot of artists use this as a way to bolster the vocals live. You can hear that she is actively singing still, so atleast she isn’t lip syncing. Lots of artists use backing tracks for affects, backing vocals, extra instruments ect. It’s usually on sync with their click track the band would use. I don’t think it’s too big of a deal, atleast things aren’t being lip synced and fake playing, atleast 90% of everything is being played live.”
“Who cares?! lol a lot singers sing to backing tracks to make it sound fuller also especially if they play numerous shows will take toll on voice. Backing tracks are ok, sheesh,” another user added.
From the footage, it doesn’t look like she seems to be lip-syncing or miming the parts. While many rockers use backing tracks to ‘enhance’ their live performances today, some fans are still unhappy with this.
“Lame! Might as while just listen to them on Spotify.. what’s the point,” a user wrote about the matter. Another fan shared the footage on X and wrote: “I applauded Linkin Park’s return with Emily from the beginning and will continue to do so. But what’s that awful playback while she’s chewing gum? I don’t know, it’s too strong to watch.”
The discussion continued on the Linkin Park subreddit on Reddit. When a user asked if it was common to use backing tracks in live shows, many fans responded positively. “Yes it’s very common, but it doesn’t mean much. It often only makes the experience of a live show even better. As long as they’re not hiding the fact they’re using backing tracks it completely fine by me. You can clearly tell she’s still singing live,” one user clarified.
Linkin Park has five more shows left for 2024. Next is Paris, France on November 3, then Dallas, Texas on November 8. After that, they will head to South America for one show in Colombia and two in Brazil.
Their new album ‘From Zero’ will be released on November 15.
I applauded Linkin Park’s return with Emily from the beginning and will continue to do so. But what’s that awful playback while she’s chewing gum? I don’t know, it’s too strong to watch…#LinkinPark #LinkinParkSeoul #FromZeroWorldTour pic.twitter.com/RXkTzPxGnF
— desca (@desca_talogado) September 29, 2024