Rock & Metal

JEFF PILSON On Bands Using Backing Tracks During Live Shows: ‘The Problem About It Is That People Don’t Mind It Anymore’

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Former DOKKEN and current FOREIGNER bassist Jeff Pilson shared his thoughts on bands that heavily rely on pre-recorded tracks during live performances. This trend, which has grown in recent years, involves using pre-recorded tracks, drum triggers, and other technologies to make concerts more synthetic but also more consistent. This practice has become common among touring artists across various genres, not just in pop music, with many rock artists also utilizing playback tracks to different extents.

In an interview on The Logan Show, Jeff was asked about his opinion on rock bands using pre-recorded tracks. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET), “The problem is that people don’t mind it anymore. Think about 30, 34 years ago or so, MILLI VANILLI lost their career over it, and one of them probably committed suicide as a result years down the line. So look at how far people have come in accepting it. To me, it’s an indicator that people have accepted this glamorized version of live music that’s more about replicating a recording than giving an organic live performance.”

He continued, “As the musical director of FOREIGNER, I’ve insisted from day one — no tracks, absolutely no tracks. And I’m glad we’ve done that because I believe one reason FOREIGNER has been successful is that we’re a great band with an amazing catalog of songs, but we’re also real. I think people pick up on that. We’ve continued to grow over the last 20 years, and I believe that’s a big part of it. We have dedicated fans who often say, ‘The fact that you guys go up there and do it for real, that’s what’s great.’ So I think there is a market for real, organic performances, and I hope other bands strive for that.”

Pilson added, “I’ve heard some bands very tastefully use tracks. It can be done in a cool way. But when I want to see a rock band, I want to see a rock band — the dirtier and nastier, the better. If I want tracks, I can listen to the record. That’s just my feeling. The fact that FOREIGNER has never used tracks and never will while I’m connected with the band speaks volumes for the integrity of live performances. Maybe there will be a backlash against using tracks and AI in music. I hope so. I hope there’s a rebellion against all that crap. Some young band needs to come out that’s as raw as GUNS N’ ROSES or THE STOOGES, with amazing songwriting. If that happens, there could be a backlash. So let’s start looking for that band.”

KISS frontman Paul Stanley, who has struggled to hit the high notes in many of the band’s classic songs for years, has been accused of singing to a backing tape on KISS’s recently completed “End Of The Road” tour.

I'm Emma. I Love rock music, doing guitar reviews, and making food. I love writing works because it is the best way to provide information to people.

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