Bands Using Prerecorded Tracks During Live Performance

[DonM]

I don't mind ZZ Top with "support" so much, as long as it's just the electronic elements of the MTV era stuff. EVH and his backing secondary guitar tracks are OK too, as long as the performance itself isn't faked.

Yes, the ZZ Top electronic support on Legs is no different than The Who’s on Won’t Get Fooled Again.

[nomadh]

I was just looking at the "musicians" category of my local craigslist and came across this listing. I'm not criticizing whoever it is that posted it. I'm just pointing it out as a revealing observation on what skills a professional touring drummer apparently needs at this time. Maybe it's indicative of the way it generally is right now, maybe it isn't, I don't know. It is very relevant to this thread however.

Here's the listing:

https://boone.craigslist.org/muc/d/boon ... 98932.html


Note that the drummer does not say any of the things I'd expect a drummer to say in his short resume, like for instance:

"I prefer Ludwig drums, I use a 14X26" kick, I like a 17 "Paiste crash, I can read charts, my influences include Buddy Rich, Bonhan, etc."

You guys know what I'm talking about, all that drummer geek talk we guitar plays usually have to endure.

Instead, he actually says this:

"Ample experience programming and running live backing tracks, click tracks, cues, samples, triggers, multi-pads, etc.

Proficient in Ableton Live and Logic Pro X."

Only as an afterthought, almost as a footnote, does he then add, "All gear is industry standard."

Am I hiring a drummer or an IT Tech?

I noticed he never mentioned "rock".

Tour Drummer Available for Working Artist

Working drummer with 5+ years professional experience on the road, including a handful of national and international tours with high-profile pop and americana artists.

Specialize in pop, americana, indie-rock, CCM.

Ample experience programming and running live backing tracks, click tracks, cues, samples, triggers, multi-pads, etc.

Proficient in Ableton Live and Logic Pro X.

All gear is industry standard.

I show up on time and I work hard to meet the artist’s needs. Whether you need a drummer to fill in for a few bar gigs or do a world tour, I’ll help make it happen.

My thoughts are with all the artists affected by the health crisis. I hope we can all get back out there on the road by the end of the year! <3

[Open G]

I played a gig last week and the other band members did not show. I played along with backing tracks and didn't split the money with anyone. Some audience members came to the microphone to sing, they sounded pretty good. Overall it went very well but I'd rather perform with musicians.

[Tglo]

I've hated that ever since I saw ELO at the garden and me and my friend noticed we heard things we didn't see and saw things we didn't hear. It is lazy players that don't want to take the time to practice and hone their skills. In one band I was in we played Earth wind and fire songs but had no keyboard or horn players. So we tried using back trax of those parts but after trying it we trashed the idea. Just play your take on a song. Plus you take away the interaction between the band and lose the loose improve feel that in my opinion make a band thight and cool. With backtrax you lose that option. Now when I do my solo gigs I have to use them but that's cause I don't want to pay anyone.