KISS frontman Gene Simmons has called out bands like U2 and the Rolling Stones who use backing tracks while playing live shows, despite the fact that he recently admitted pre-recorded tracks himself.
According to Advertiser.com.au, Simmons said: “There’s nobody with a synthesiser on our stage, there’s no samples on the drums, there’s nothing. 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.”
He continued to say that he has a problem with bands who charge $100 for a ticket, and then use backing tracks. “It’s like the ingredients in food, if the first ingredient on the label is sugar that’s at least honest,” he stated. “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.”
In February, the band Tweeted that they used backing tracks during a show – although at least they openly admitted to it.
Recorded Samurai Son for Japan. To reproduce production here we play live with extra tracks. Nothing to hide. pic.twitter.com/2nGXVwekCW
— KISS (@KISSOnline) February 24, 2015
This isn’t the first time that Simmons has blasted artists for using backing tapes. According to Blabbermouth, when KISS announced their 2012 tour with MÖTLEY CRÜE, he had said: "We're sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them. The guys you see on stage are playing their instruments. No fake bullshit. Leave that to the Rihanna, Shmianna and anyone who ends their name with an 'A.'"
That being said, in his new interview, he did admit to liking Rihanna’s collaboration with Kanye West and Pau McCartney, saying: “I liked the new song Rihanna did with Kanye West and Paul McCartney (FourFiveSeconds) — she sounded better singing a real song. Umbrella-ella-ella? I don’t get it. Lots of people do, that’s great.”
KISS recently announced that they will be embarking on their annual Kiss Kruise, which will leave from Miami, Florida on October 30, will travel to Jamaica, and will return on November 3. They will be joined by Steel Panther, Lita Ford and Fozzy.
