Stryper’s Michael Sweet recently took to social media to share his opinions on bands using backing tracks.
For years, some bands have been accused of using backing tracks in their live performances — both as a way of enhancing the performances and not actually playing an instrument or singing. The rocker took to Facebook to share a lengthy statement about the topic.
He discussed the bands that use the tool to enhance their live shows and wrote:
“Regardless, it seems to be quite the controversial topic these days but I think there’s a lot of miscommunication and confusion based on the subject. Some saying ‘if it’s not 100% live then you’re talentless and a joke.’ Really? Some bands have much bigger productions than other bands and I think it’s perfectly acceptable and respectable to use a few tracks here and there to make the same statement live as you did in the studio. As long as you’re performing live and using tracks sparingly, it’s totally fine.”
Sweet also wrote a statement about the bands who fake it completely:
“To the guys out there who disrespect any band for using tracks – some of your favorite bands do! And have done so for years. That doesn’t make them any less of a band. If they’re miming and faking it completely (often the term ‘Milli Vanilli’ is used) and or didn’t even play on the recordings and or can’t play the parts recorded, then I get the frustration. I just think it’s a dead horse that some people so often beat.”
‘It’s Okay If Done Right’
This wasn’t the first time the rocker made comments about the matter. In an earlier interview back in 2019, the rocker said using backing tracks live would only be okay if it was done right:
“I try to be open and honest, and I don’t want people thinking that we’re not using those if we are. I come from the school of, ‘It’s okay if it’s done right.’ In other words, if it’s there to enhance what’s already there, or if you’ve got some huge production… I’m okay with that. I’m okay when it’s done right and it’s limited, just to enhance certain things on certain songs.”
He added:
“But when you have bands that go out and literally it’s every song, and they’re up there and they’re not even singing the background vocals — because there are bands that do that. They’re up there mouthing it, and then you get into the mouthing of the lead vocals on every song, and you’re thinking, ‘Man, there has to be a line that’s drawn.’ You’ve got to be real cautious of that, or it’s not live — you’re not giving people a live experience.”
You can see Sweet’s recent post here.