The debate over whether or not backing music and vocal tracks belong in live rock ’n’ roll has been a point of contention for some artists in recent years. Rock purists say there’s really no place for them, and it amounts to cheating or lip-synching depending on how the tracks are used. More modern artists say that technology in music is a good thing and don’t see a problem with them.
One of the more outspoken opponents of backing tracks has been former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach. He got into a very public social media spat with Falling In Reverse singer Ronnie Radke when FIR canceled a show over missing laptops. He also had a public back and forth with FOZZY’s Chris Jericho who later said that FOZZY uses them for select parts on certain songs.
In a new interview via the Rocktails with Ahmet Zappa podcast, Bach seems to have changed his tune somewhat on the use of tracks specifically when it comes to older artists like KISS and Phil Collins.
“We live in a world now where technology is taking over, and so many bands rely on backing tracks,” Bach said. “It’s well known. That’s the way it is now. My position on that… I always hear people, ‘Paul Stanley of KISS is using a backing track.’ And my thing is Paul Stanley has given us all f*cking 50 years of entertainment. All he’s trying to do is keep doing it one more time. The dude is in his 70s. He has to put on foot-high platform boots, makeup, make his body fucking skinny and rock. He has to strap himself on to wires and fly across the arena. My mom is 82 — I love my mom. I can’t see her strapping on boots and spitting blood and breathing fire.”
Bach went on: “My point is if Paul Stanley or somebody in their 70s, if somebody that is older is trying to put on a entertainment show and they need some technology to help them get through it, and they’re that old, I don’t mind that. What I do mind is having a band that’s 23 open for me that doesn’t even try to fucking do the singing or the backgrounds; they’re just gonna run that shit. That’s ridiculous to me. But if you’ve got, like, Phil Collins in a f*cking wheelchair, give him a break. My point is have some respect for all that these guys have done. That’s the way I look at it.”
Bach has a new album, “Child Within The Man,” coming out on May 10. He has released two singles/videos from the record so far, “What Do I Got To Lose?” and “Everybody Bleeds. Both videos along with Bach’s full interview, can be viewed below.
- Sum 41 Frontman Reveals Why Band Is Ending - April 27, 2024
- Nikki Sixx Elaborates On Mick Mars Leaving Motley Crue - April 27, 2024
- Ozzy Argues Case For Legendary Band To Enter Rock Hall - April 26, 2024
