Gene Simmons is slamming artists who use pre-recording backing tracks, despite the fact that KISS have done so at least twice in the past six months.
“I have a problem when you charge $100 to see a live show and the artist uses backing tracks,” Simmons tells Australia’s News.com.au. “It’s like the ingredients in food, if the first ingredient on the label is sugar that’s at least honest. It should be on every ticket — you’re paying $100, 30 to 50 per cent of the show is (on) backing tracks and they’ll sing sometimes, sometimes they’ll lip synch. At least be honest. It’s not about backing tracks, it’s about dishonesty.”
“There’s nobody with a synthesiser on our stage, there’s no samples on the drums, there’s nothing,” he added. “There’s very few bands who do that now — AC/DC, Metallica, us. I can’t even say that about U2 or the Stones. There’s very few bands who don’t use (backing) tracks.”
65-year old Simmons and KISS have performed with backing tracks twice in recent months.
In November, KISS mimed a performance of “Rock And Roll All Night” as part of the 88th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City – watch the video below.
Last month, KISS admitted to using backing tracks while performing its new single, "Samurai Son", during a Japanese tour.
KISS will launch a South American tour next month before heading to Europe for shows starting May 29 in Munich, Germany.
See also:
Dee Snider slams KISS for makeup use by non-original members
KISS add Steel Panther, Lita Ford and Fozzy to Kiss Kruize V
KISS announce Australian tour
VIDEO: KISS unplug for Led Zeppelin and Beatles covers in Tokyo
Search KISS at hennemusic
