Every word of this resonates with me. REAL matters. To you, to me, and many others our age. Unfortunately, to younger generations, it matters less and less as they're conditioned to accept nothing less than perfection and they don't care how the "artist" gets there. It's incredibly sad to me.
Lol here I put 26 or so years into theory and playing the guitar and all these people just use fakery! Playing music is fun, some seem real... I can only pick out some things like u... IRL is a thing. They keep trying to take the real out of stuff.
The last gig I played was through a Telecaster into a Fender Champ. I did have an HBE Big D pedal if I needed some dirt. It doesn’t get more real than that. I tell people sometimes the magic is in low tech. Look at orchestras. People still enjoy seeing them live and they are playing old acoustic instruments. There’s a reason violins and cellos are still being played.
@ How much cool stuff is discovered by twisting knobs, plugging something in wrong or getting wierd feedback? Presets and and programming from menus is so blah. It’s all about making noise and moving some air. Rock and roll should be like a bomb going off and a few surprises flying around as shrapnel.
The thing is, they would have their laptop hid as well if they had the money that Motley and kiss have. All of that is being ran by front of house or the sound engineer whatever you want to call it. There is so much going on in those shows the drummers cannot possibly run backing tracks, his click, and keep everything going at one time even if he utilizes his tech, it's too much money is power and freedom
@@BudRV They use it mainly for his backing vocals, but they should indeed turn that up. Vince never was disciplined and he's washed up. He's always been shaky. I saw them in 1990! Probably the best they were ever going to be.
Thanks for keeping it real. Our Blues Trio live is exactly what people hear. No tracks, no clicks, only what we are playing, mistakes and all. Too damned old to change now. We do it out of love and respect for the craft and those who gifted it to us to carry on. We get loads of compliments from other groups that we meet at festivals and such. It’s a shame that we are in the state we are now.
In the 1970's I checked ID's at the Cleveland Agora where Springsteen, Southside Johnny, J. Geils and many more played. They sounded better than their albums and were up there sweating and active in live performances. It was great meeting those people backstage.
@@nhmike6890 Gee, I wonder why they were sloppy. 😅 I got to see J. Geils several times. A very cool guy, too. His band liked the whiskey shots I delivered backstage.
If you’re talking about The Warning. Daniela has a video explaining her rig. She used an intricate pedal board/ pre amp. She normally uses both pickups and uses a cabinet on stage plus her guitar also feeds directly into the main speakers. She uses a harmonizer that either plays what she is playing in one octave lower or higher than what she’s playing. Plus it is in stereo. She also uses a lot of reverb. This enables it to make it sound like more than one guitar. Paulina, the drummer does use a midi board to start and stop the click tracks, which is fed into their in-ears. They don’t use back tracks of vocals, because they all are singing. All three are capable of and do sing lead vocals on different songs. If you’re going to do a critical analysis, you should research the band first
No complicated rig is going to enable a solo guitarist play a lead solo with a rhythm guitar still playing behind them, except someone using a loop pedal but in this case that’s no loop pedal being used. Watched Teatro Metropolitan concert and the first song “Z” demonstrates this clearly. Towards the end of first verse you can clearly hear a guitar harmonic and then a lead guitar playing whilst she is still singing and no hands near the guitar. Further in that song when she plays a solo there is definitely a rhythm guitar backing her. Now either they have another guitarist off stage or a backtrack is being used. Queen of the murder scene clearly has a keyboard being used as the first verse is ending and throughout the entire song. Now I’m not criticising their playing ability as it appears pretty solid for the parts they are playing but why not just use session musicians to fill in the blanks and be honest? Most of the biggest bands use session musicians on stage because it has always been accepted that extra instruments are used in the recording process to accentuate their art but live performances should be exactly that, live. This is at the lower end of stage trickery when you see groups miming or using autotune etc but it’s not right.
Queen did the same thing vocal wise for bohemian rhapsody way back in the day but they were open about it … didn’t take over the live skill in delivering that sing just supported it … so there is a fine line to what’s supportive n makes a track better and what’s an excuse for not extending yourself 😊
Totally agree on what you are saying I just want to add one perception I see these days ,the average Joe audience doesn’t notice these fakeries or cares these bands I say to myself are known as Karaoke bands.see them everywhere.
You were right on the nail with power trios, I spent 20 years in a power trio, tough going at times but highly worth it. I know the band you are on about, as soon as I saw a live performance by them it seemed pretty blatant that they are having a lot of 'assistance' What did surprise me is the amount of comments on the videos saying how great they are live, and I was thinking 'how on earth can you not here what is really going on' Also, I will say that the band are very very talented, I just wish they would spend less time trying to look 'pouty' when playing, as they are better than that.
I enjoy your channel and what you are doing. I got to see the Who several times from 1971 on. They always had a tape machine playing the keyboard track for Baba O'Riley. Those guys could tear it up like nobody's business.
Wow...Looking on the wall behind you I see the H Albert TB Whipped Cream LP album cover....Thanks Man.. Made me smile to a way back great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had a power trio for a hot minute where I sang from the drums. I never worked so hard playing music. Trying to remember or read words, sing, and all 4 limbs playing drums. It was so much fun and different than I was used to.
True that! I am no lead singer, but usually sang about 5-10 songs a night to give the singers voice a rest and some songs like AC/DC would tear up his voice, so I did those. Anyhow, it was a giant chore to sing, remember lyrics, and work all 4 limbs independently. The biggest thing was breathing control. If my mind wandered for a couple of seconds, I'd be out of breath because I play VERY HARD and if I didnt time my breaths perfectly, half a line of verse or chorus would be missing. It was a lot of pressure and focus.
@@kearneydillon4803 I thought it would be easy because I've always drummed an sang a little backup, it's different when you're the front man though. But you're right if you loose focus for a second it can unravel. We were doing a Tom Petty song that I could drum in my sleep but there was a part where I had to sing a line and do a signature drum lick, I remember thinking, wow that was harder than I expected.
Good morning Brad and Breakfast club Family, I will be back tomorrow. Therapy yesterday took all my energy. I have 5 mri’s being done on Monday. Thank you guys helping me stay focused taking my mind away from the damages.
Your videos are always engaging and entertaining. I watch other music related channels and my eyes glaze over. I’m down to a few subscriptions, one is you. I think you have a formula for success if you have the patience. I know I don’t. Lots of us older guitar slingers out here that resonate with your type of channel. Keep the faith !
I went to a Shinedown show years ago and realized right away half of the sound was fake (playback). After some research after I got home I realized I was right. They use a TON of vocals prerecorded, guitar, etc. It was a real turn off for me. I'm sure people disagree but I'm an old metalhead and it should be all authentic!
It's a turnoff for me too. It makes it hard to listen to as well. I realize as I get older our favorite classics all have mistakes, but I miss it. Give me a bass pedal squeak, ungrounded guitar Amp and a singer with a cold and I'm in heaven. Your mileage may vary.
To me specially metal and rock should be live, that's what I have grown up with. Sure I'm fine with using as example playback for orchestra parts if you don't have an orchestra on stage. Using backing tracks for as example backing vocals I feel more conflicted about.
Dea Matrona is a girl group from Ireland. They both trade off guitar & bass and play difficult classic rock material like crossroads, lepplin & rory gallagher. They opened for Sheryl Crow when she played in Ireland earlier this year. They are having trouble breaking through to the big time.
What exactly is “the big time”? I like Dea Matrona and they are doing quite well. Not sure what “trouble” they are having. There are more artists in more genres of music “out there” today, than ever before. Larkin Poe are a good comparison. They have established themselves as a top act in the category/genre they reside. If they manage to cross over into other genres they will enlarge their audience in size and diversity. We need to stop the obsession with the “POP” category. Dea Matrona, lest they crossover into that arena will do quite well…they already are…within the genres their style of music resides. We forget, that “country” music bifurcated stylistically and adapted elements of rock enabling pioneering acts like Shania, BR Cyrus, Garth, to become mega stars and crossing into POP paving the way for Taylor, …we forget Swift used a country platform, drew a growing fan base of tweens and moved into the POP arena. Bob Dylan a genre shifter if there ever was one, accomplished something similar, going folk, to folk rock to country and on.
Badbrad, I watch many music video’s and your right there are many bands that are using backing tracks. I watch the guitarist very, VERY closely and it’s discouraging when I hear stuff that there not really playing!
Have to be referencing the Warning Brad. Been digging them with the same questions and concerns you discuss here. Things sure have evolved in our lifetimes. Really enjoyed your channel since before your departure from Nashville. Hoping FL is working well for you and the family. Thank you brother…God bless.
I am a college professor about to retire. The students are using AI and there is nothing we can do about it. On vacation my wife, daughter and son in law were at a little out bar/grill with a good sized band playing. They were so good, I would say five members. "I never figured out where the full orchestra was at on stage.
Oh boy. They will never know the thrill of digging through the card catalog and then trying to find the book you desperately need for the research paper on the shelf and never finding it. Then having to type the 35 page paper up on a manual typewriter.
I appreciate this testimony so much as a musician and a photographer. I strive to find these channels that have between 5-10,000 subs because I know they are for real and not sold out to companies and sponsors. I totally agree with you and yes, I have seen so many peeps toting their laptops and iPads onto the stage and I wonder, just like you... Is this real music and I can only be sold when I measure their performance and passion during this experience. Keep doing what you do.. You are always gonna have the surface people buying into this, but all of us that really dive deep and are truly moved buy the music will always question those that are not 100% genuine. Thank you for this video. You yourself exude authenticity and players-listeners like us appreciate it!
Yep. And this goes back maybe a couple of decades ago, maybe longer. Like you, I prefer to hear the "real" band and what they can do with their instruments and voices. So sad.
Sweet used backing tracks as far back as 1974. There's a live Musicladen video of "No You Don't", where the mid section is clearly a playback. The difference is, the band didn't pretend to play when it comes on. Eventually, they join in and play to the backing track before taking over the rest of the song when the playback section is over.
This is why I love going to see a lot of jazz and fusion guys. Seeing Richie Kotzen with his power trio or the Winery Dogs, Greg Howe, Esperanza Spalding, Mike Stern, Steve Morse Band and the Dixie Dregs, Pat Metheny and so many more recently, they're the real deal: super talented and delivering the goods like popular artists often can't because they're on a different level after putting in the real work and specifically training to improvise so they give a slightly different show every night, even if the setlist is the same. To me, musicians who improvise rather than try to duplicate the songs on the album, are in the highest ranks for me.
Brad, the other night I saw a recent performance of WASP opening up with " I Wanna Be Somebody" and he was moving away from the microphone and you could still hear his vocals singing. I couldn't believe all the nit wits in the crowd throwing their fists up and banging their heads and seeming ok with that. I would have walked out haha. I saw The Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood, Deep Purple and YES over the summer and they were all 100% live. Guys in their mid 70's and still sounded great. Happy Friday to you and family Brad!
Hey Brad. Yea, man, this AI stuff, and technology can take souls right out of bands. I believe you. I'm the same age, lol. It's sad but true. We'll keep our chins up!
As much as I looooove the ladies, I can’t stand the Peter teasers. It’s saved me more time than I could ever know. The girls in halter tops falling off with their lovelies draped over the guitar get a “don’t recommend channel “ from me. You’re right brother, there’s little real art and skill out there anymore. Hopefully this inspires a renaissance, and not just spells the end.
As you know bro I am new to this music game, but this is why I made the decision when I wrote, played, sang and mixed my first song that I will never fake it. Sure I may not be the next Elvis, but I have always been authentic from everything from my vocals to my slightly above average (At Best) guitar playing. I am always trying to improve, I am always learning and I will always play my music. I think what we need more than ever in music is pure authenticity, especially in todays world with A.I. and faked live performances. I wish people would upload more original work with their emotions, perfections and flaws included. Is that not what music is about anyway? Sharing a story, creating a connection and sharing art.
This past Tuesday I went to an open mic. Sat and watched and listened. An unkempt woman carrying a worn out guitar bag pulled out her black Segovia acoustic which I came to learn was a hand me down from her brother. Her nerves were palpable and evident in her playing but she didn't hold back. She didn't have a pick up installed on this old guitar so her voice and guitar were incongruent to us. All her quirks were on full display and the audience was so accommodating. I turned to a guy seated next to me and exclaimed....."this is why I come to these things".
A friend of mine, who drums for Sonny Landreth, and owns and operates his own studio in Louisiana, put it best when he said, “ Don’t believe anything you hear!” He broke down a single vocal line and showed me how he can break it down and select the best syllables and put them together to get the best “take.” That doesn’t even account for autotune or other studio trickery.
Man, this reminds me of Steve Lukather being interviewed by Rick Beato on how some people are great on UA-cam, but can't play for shiz live. As a female guitarist, I've seen some of these girlie videos. Real pretty but SO fake.
Yes but this idiot is trying to discount Alex Lifeson because Rush triggered samples ? He's that deluded he thinks he cam compare himself to them ? 😅😂😂😂😂😂
Where does one draw the line? Acts can have technology, a 6 piece backing band, wigs and makeup, lasers/ lights/ pyro, and costumes, among other things. It's all trickery in one way or another. Even great playing technique can be used to cover up poor songwriting. Rock and roll is like pro wrestling: it's as real as you want it to be. Being concerned with whether or not it fits a standard of "reality," is only something other musicians care about.
@@badbrad 1st concert. I had heard that live music was quite loud. When the lights went down everyone stood on their chairs. I braced myself thinking I may be hit with some wall of sound! They actually weren't that loud.
hey man, do you still play live? I play in a kickin' church (yeah, church!) band and we use all that stuff you're talking about - in ears, click count off, click track/song arrangement track (calling out each part of the song, including "1st verse - softly", "Chorus - build", etc.). plus we have instrumental tracks w/strings, synths, etc. that's pretty standard stuff these days on any stage. (and I'm a rocker from the 70's)🙂 - just sayin' ...
Wings of Pegasus historically was praising great singers that could hit high notes and sing in tune. Only recently he has fallen into the fake singing controversy including the eagles, Ken Tamplin & Taylor Swift
Yes, he was doing almost purely positive commentary vids on guitarists etc. Even today with his exposé vids he is really soft spoken, careful with words. Vids with occasional piquant verbal spice makes more fun though. But I understand the carefulness thinking of how trolls may affect and behave.
I am 42 and I have seen KoRn 67 times in 8 states since 1998. It would break my heart to know they aren’t playing because their sound and John’s live vocals are so amazing. I do remember when they released KoRn III Remember who you are and they bragged about recording it with know clicks or any tracks. It does sound pretty raw.
@@badbradI hope so. It’s so sad that we even have to have this conversation. My whole life I wanted to be the next rock star because I love music, performance, and therapy it provides to myself and others. To think people are taking this dream for granted is gross. Great video
I’m glad I saw most major rock bands back in the 70s when they played real music. Two years ago in Ohio I saw Alice Cooper, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard. I thought Def Leppard was great. Every note was perfect, but that leads me to believe there was a reason it sounded like that, and it was not because they were playing live. I’ve been listening to triumph’s “fight the good fight” video from the US concert 72, I believe, and that’s a great live performance!
I play in an Elton John tribute called Still Standing. Unlike most tribute bands, we don't use ANY sequencers, tracks, or fake harmonies. We do it all live. Including singing the harmonies live. Just 5 guys. No extra devoted chick singers. the musicians do it all.
From your perspective, being a musician, you ask the question "Is rock dead" , but if you step back and look from a Birds Eye view. The real question is "Is all art and performance dead?" A.I. and robots will do anything we can do 1000 times better,cheaper, and faster. The last slice of pie for musicians is going to be live performances, WITH MISTAKES to prove your human, and show your personality,
I went to see the artist live and never walked out becuse of a bad note. We would go Fri Sat and Sunday high as a kite. Thanks ever so much. I'll remember them who's going to remember AI? but as for the AI in you tube it's a big problem with the likes. Love the show you make.
I'm 65 and the bass player/lead singer for a power trio. No auto tune, no backing tracks, and my laptop is used to wirelessly control our digital mixer as we do all we do without a dedicated sound engineer. I'm it. Now, we do use a multipad that delivers an occasional sound effect e.g. a jet engine sound to start "Back in the USSR". Point being, laptops don't always mean backing tracks are being used. Oh,also, we certainly use in ear monitors so that we can have a "silent stage" (we also use amp modelers) which lessens chances for feedback issues and allows each of us to hear a personalized mix. If you're a singer, there's nothing like hearing yourself with IEMs to keep your pitch. No click tracks, no count ins, people appreciate that we actually play our instruments and sing our vocals live with a little reverb.....
I opened for Geoff Tate a few years back on the OMC anniversary tour. It was about half and half backing tracks but they let the laptop be seen and owned up to it right up front. The operator was there with it as he was part of the band. Geoff definitely sang all the leads and if he couldn’t quite hit it he held the mic to the crowd and they happily handled the parts!! But my point is that it wasn’t hidden and the respect stands.
Rock has never been dead in my opinion.. The mainstream media pushes all the hip hop garbage over everything else.. They don't advertise Rock like they used to.. We need something equivalent to MTV.. Anywhere I go, especially at work, all they play is hip hop .. Id rather staple my hand to the carpet myself.
I play in 3 piece blues trios, rock bands tribute bands, no tracks laptops sequencers, in ears only for large stages with subs & line arrays. A 6 piece show band I’m in just did a theatre gig with multiple medleys. Clicks used for tempos intro & some percussion tracks & synth pads to emulate a horn section.. would rather have a 2-3 pc horn section & congas and other percs but no one is hiring a 10 pc plus band. So we make use of programmed horns ( not all the through the song) & percussion. Still real for me as we need to give the audience the best possible bang for their buck with minimal live instruments. Meanwhile this weekend tribute band with pedal steel player that plays guitar & violin, keyboards Nord Stage has cool B3 sounds & piano, he plays accordion, Guitarists play harmonica mandolins & dobro’s… so one extreme to another for me
Probably wanting a quiet stage, thus they may also be using electric drums, or drums on a backtrack. Personally I have long gone given up on lugging my stereo rigs around and have settled on a Kemper which has profiles of my rigs. My duo runs on backtracks as full bands here don’t really get gigs. My duo also gets paid the same as a glorified karaoke singer. Sad situation, all about income. We actually make deliberate mistakes to prove we’re not miming 😉
We really think alike, Brad. Boy, you really did the L.A scene back in the day, I was always the singer ,guitar man, creator, in a power trio that did biker parties and " ten barrel yahoos in the woods" in those days. Can't even imagine your life with your drive and talent. Have a happy day.
I actually found this amazing guitar player to work with lately and we did some recording without a click track. Everyone else was thinking I’m crazy because they won’t be able to conveniently add DAW tracks later. How can you perform the mood of the song if it has an electronic tempo. Click track? Nah for me but I’m 62🤣🤣
I saw ZZTop in San Diego in 1975 when they opened for Aerosmith. I could not believe 3 guys could sound that good. Amazing sound WITHOUT all of today's technology.
back in the day the most we used were dod distortion analog delays flangers but most of it was strait up guitar and amp gain because its an art to master those pedals live what he said is the truth he knows the way it is great insight here
I’ve had similar conversations just in the last few days with seasoned pros. They are all saying how prevalent the backing tracks are now. Once a few samples, triggers, and loops started happening the flood gates opened up. In the olden days, bands didn’t want the bootlegs happening partly because the live sound didn’t sound like the album quality. Nowadays everyone is recording with gadgets, the groups are trying to keep the fantasy in the forefront, but the live recordings can just be evidence of the con.
My guess is you're talking about The Warning. They have some catchy tunes, but I agree, it sounds a bit too good live. I'm 100% sure they can play, but not many people sound that good live. The best live band I ever heard was Jethro Tull...I'm pretty sure they had some backing vocal tracks even back in the mid to late 70's.
very interesting , just learning about all the tricks being used , I miss the times when I could see SRV play every chance I could which was many talk about amazing and real , a little to young to see hendrix live unfortunately but my brother saw him when he was in the service and said it was amazing I think when he was stationed in pensacola
Two 80’s solo singers had exceptionally brilliant musicians Ozzy with Randy Rhodes, Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge and David Lee Roth with Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonet…
Really enjoyed your commentary, Brad! Oh, I saw Zeppelin in 1977 in St. Paul, Mn. I remember Jimmy Page playing acoustic guitar and getting so excited that he accidentally yanked the cord out of his guitar! That was funny. Great show.😋
We're in a time where PRODUCTION is the key element in the music industry. It isnt the players or the vocal artist... Its the PRODUCER. Look at Tylor Swift... 3.5 hours of production/performance per SHOW. The key here.. its a SHOW. In the middle '70s we saw the same thing happen as the aging Hippy bands which were the main-stay of AM radio began toying with synths, early computer toys and new studio techniques in order to fill oug a sound which could fill STADIUMS. PUNK and DIY blew that whole "mechanical" dynamic up..... Or did it? Was it ever 100% REAL? As musicians we all think the music is the MAIN thing... it aint... its the Show... As you have pointed out many times.
The theres that old myth we old Rock and Rollers want to still believe... That four like minded guys get together, maybe one guy is just off the bus from Altoona PN, and they find eqch other in the clubs, reherse the sound, and make great rock n roll after a couple years of tooling around with concept afetr concept.... Or a coiple of talented guys rent a house in the Hollywood Hills, and a generation of fellow musicians follow, resulting in an incestual 5-10 years of great music. Its all "true" at some level.... But much more likely today a PRODUCER (and his money guy) put rogetehr a couple of interesting faces, buy some songs and fake it.. both on and off stage. Johnny Bravo rides Again!
I would guess that the major labels are requiring bands use tracks if for no reason that 95% of the fans expect to hear the studio version at a show these days. If so could be near impossible to compete in most commercial genres without using tracks. Thoughts?
I get it. I'm 67 and attended 70s concerts. But now, no band has been 100% live for decades. They all use clicks and some backing tracks. That being said, The Warning is legit. They put out their first two albums by themselves and they were great live. You can see Pau (the drummer) adding in the screens behind them plus some piano track they played. I believe their third album they started working with David Bendeth. He gave them a click to use because he told them that they were not always on time. They are talented and tight enough to really not need any of that stuff though. They have a lot of early material online that demonstrates this. So, as old rockers, we can just get stuck on the fact that old bands didn't have this stuff so they were better, or admit that technology is constantly changing, that allows both good and not so good musicians to sound even better. In this case, I know that they good musicians and vocalists.
To your point about the warning. Doing a metallica cover (only cover that night and last song) before they signed with lava. Bassist just turned 14, drummer about to turn 17 & guitarist turning 19 a few days after this gig. ua-cam.com/video/fhhG5EiFiyA/v-deo.htmlsi=Mw7smyfbfIvagJ-i
Easy to figure out the group he's talking about. I dont doubt they play their own instruments, but backing tracks to add to the basic sound is common today. They may not have the budget for two more players, another guitarist & keyboardist. Bet budget is the big reason......
Good stuff as always Im musically inclined, I can learn by ear, but my ability doesnt go to the extent to notice the nuances your pointing out. Ive fled the city for upstate NY, the nearest large venue for me is an amphitheater where this thing called woodstock once took place. Ive seen acts like Steely Dan, Dave Matthews, and YES play there, its all sounded live as live can be, but now im gonna be questioning that next time i go when the season starts again next summer. Like the Maxell tape ad slogan, lol
Sounds like the Warning ,3 sisters the oldest in her early 20's, i too noticed some rhythm guitar playing when the lead was playing lead. Being a player it also did not make sense to me. that being said i watched some old Page and Plant show from a 95 tour and it had me watching for 2 hours. the new bands play i listen for 20 seconds. thank god i was born in 65, do the math i was in my perfect years in life to experience that amazing music.
I could not agree more with what you're saying here and thanks for putting it like you did. Just for me, I'd rather hear an unpretty truth than a beautiful lie. When you're using technology to take the place of what you're singing or playing, that's a sort of a lie. Doesn't matter if you're an unknown or a headliner. I have used the drum track off my keyboard to simulate drums on my videos. That's about it. Everything else I do on a video on here is 130 percent me, right or wrong.
I'm an old dude who had some success with my electronic music in the 90's-2000's. Now days, there are so many people doing music with electronics...some legit, some cheap and fake as hell. So, I now release my music via live video recordings just to set myself apart from the wannabes. It's a bitch to get a great take, but worth the effort.
They’re not even hiding it anymore. I saw an ad recently for one of our local competitor bands who were looking for a new guitarist. He listed the ‘must have’ stuff… it blew my mind. No amps allowed, and must be familiar with in-ears and backing tracks, etc. The kicker is that these guys are early to mid 50’s. It must not be going so well because this will be the 3rd guitarist they’ve lost in over a year.
The trickery has gotten far more sophisticated and pervasive in music, as you said and as illustrated by Phil on Wings of Pegasus. If anyone watches vintage music videos on UA-cam, he or she will see that many pop bands lipsynced and faked playing guitar to their own recordings in the 1960s when performing their hit songs on TV. The fakery was sometimes all too obvious to anyone watching closely. You could explore the truth on a related topic. Sometimes club owners and audiences will find out that the band they expected to hear sounds very different performing live than what they heard in demos or recordings with the help of professional studio engineers.
Huge difference being quick mime for a 5 min TV show , without hours of soundchecks and load-in set up or even having a broadcast sound engineer accustomed to mixing live bands , as opposed to a headlining arena act playing a 90 min set .
Maybe Imposter Syndrome is more endemic than we would like to think. Beethoven once said: "To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable", but it seems as if this logic has been inverted in recent times. I've seen a bunch of the younger content creators complain about "Boomer Nostalgia", but the fact of the matter is that much of the music from that era had an energy and an _aliveness_ that I'm not hearing in a lot of performances today. I'm not sure what the expectations are these days but I don't think we have to drive the humanity out of everything to get there.
I saw ZZ Top live a few years ago and with my musician ears could hear them playing along to additional tracks like a rhythm guitar or tambourine ect added to the live performance. Billy's falsetto vocal on 'legs' was really perfect....maybe too perfect that was he using an extra vocal track....I don't know. Still a good show as they were playing live but I would have preferred to hear hear them raw as a trio they way they used to sound. I think they add the extra tracks to make the songs sound more like the album versions.
@@badbrad They've gone "Vegas' where the show has to be a spectacle now. So while the band is playing live the sound needs to be expanded sonically with more tracks to get that big production sound of their records. Playing like a raw power trio at a bar gig won't get that huge slick sound live which is what they are shooting for. So on that level I get it....sort of like Hip Hop using samples. But ironically many of the fans would actually love to hear them strip it down and play like a bar band again!!
Ive always preferred live music over listening to studio tracks. After i heard "live" aol sessions, they were too good. As awesome as the sound quality was i was disappointed because i knew i was listening to the engineer.
Good stuff as always Brad! It sure is good to hear from old school musicians that have not only played the music that we love but have lived the life of playing the music we love! Old school drummer☝️✝️👑🙏🥁👍✌️🥁🙂
That's what I'm all about. Old school and actually play everything I made live with just my amp live and raw. What ya see is what ya get. Almost no effects bc the riffs don't need it. I guess just a little bit of delay and a touch of reverb just to sound fuller. Plug in, ready, go. That's me, but I play straight metal old school with a semi modern touch imo.
I'm only interested in hearing a band that can play live what their recording sounds like. Saying that, i never listen to any Metal or Rock bands that use all of that computer enhancements. I like raw and hard live sounds from a Metal or rock band. It's about their true musicianship, what they sound like live should be what their recordings sound like. I want to see REAL musicians not magicians. On that note, I am a first time viewer and new sub, have a wonderful day and thank you for posting this topic.
The WRNING. Great performers, they admit to using trax live in interviews. Guitar player also use octave sound to get a fuller sound you can find it where she talks about it on rig rundown.
Hey Brad thanks so much for your video. On the 27th of December I’ll be releasing a small live album from The Camden Club London session. 100% live. Mixed & mastered myself. Joined by a top bass player & amazing keys player all originals. I really can’t enjoy fakery. It’s very disappointing. That’s just my opinion & each to their own ❤
It seems the bigger the pay, the more likely it is for bands to pipe in tracks. Musicians understand and care about this. The ordinary person doesn't know or care.
I remember when Milli Vanilli was drummed out of the business for lip-syncing. Now we're to the point where bands cancel their tours because their laptops were stolen, and their audience is fine with it. I would say real live music is definitely on the ropes.
Every word of this resonates with me. REAL matters. To you, to me, and many others our age. Unfortunately, to younger generations, it matters less and less as they're conditioned to accept nothing less than perfection and they don't care how the "artist" gets there. It's incredibly sad to me.
It is sad
Lol here I put 26 or so years into theory and playing the guitar and all these people just use fakery! Playing music is fun, some seem real... I can only pick out some things like u... IRL is a thing. They keep trying to take the real out of stuff.
I'd go a step further and say some need all those enhancements bc they're lacking in their playing skills.
The last gig I played was through a Telecaster into a Fender Champ. I did have an HBE Big D pedal if I needed some dirt. It doesn’t get more real than that. I tell people sometimes the magic is in low tech. Look at orchestras. People still enjoy seeing them live and they are playing old acoustic instruments. There’s a reason violins and cellos are still being played.
You’re right, the magic is in the low tech
@ How much cool stuff is discovered by twisting knobs, plugging something in wrong or getting wierd feedback? Presets and and programming from menus is so blah. It’s all about making noise and moving some air. Rock and roll should be like a bomb going off and a few surprises flying around as shrapnel.
Great comment ✌🏼
Because they sound amazing
I'd rather see the laptop out in the open rather than the bands hiding the fakery like Motley Crue and Kiss.
I agree there....
Kraftwork would have e their laptops out in the open in the 70's. I saw Todd Rungren do a solo tour in the 90s with an Apple laptop.
The thing is, they would have their laptop hid as well if they had the money that Motley and kiss have. All of that is being ran by front of house or the sound engineer whatever you want to call it. There is so much going on in those shows the drummers cannot possibly run backing tracks, his click, and keep everything going at one time even if he utilizes his tech, it's too much money is power and freedom
@OSXMan i don't know what Motley Crue would be using it for Vince doesn't sound exactly well... you know um like he should be singing like at all!
@@BudRV They use it mainly for his backing vocals, but they should indeed turn that up. Vince never was disciplined and he's washed up. He's always been shaky. I saw them in 1990! Probably the best they were ever going to be.
Thanks for keeping it real. Our Blues Trio live is exactly what people hear. No tracks, no clicks, only what we are playing, mistakes and all. Too damned old to change now. We do it out of love and respect for the craft and those who gifted it to us to carry on. We get loads of compliments from other groups that we meet at festivals and such. It’s a shame that we are in the state we are now.
Yeah and authenticity goes a long way too
In the 1970's I checked ID's at the Cleveland Agora where Springsteen, Southside Johnny, J. Geils and many more played. They sounded better than their albums and were up there sweating and active in live performances. It was great meeting those people backstage.
Man I bet it was!
I saw J Geils in Boston,damn they killed it.
The other cool band,Aerosmith during the drug days,they were sloppy,but amazing
@@nhmike6890 Gee, I wonder why they were sloppy. 😅 I got to see J. Geils several times. A very cool guy, too. His band liked the whiskey shots I delivered backstage.
In the 70s??? The original Agora. I saw some amazing bands there. You might have even checked my I.D. !!😭
@stephentaylor8339 I'm sure I did! Do you remember The Down Under?
Only thing real is the real expensive ticket prices
Man you got that right.
If you’re talking about The Warning. Daniela has a video explaining her rig. She used an intricate pedal board/ pre amp. She normally uses both pickups and uses a cabinet on stage plus her guitar also feeds directly into the main speakers. She uses a harmonizer that either plays what she is playing in one octave lower or higher than what she’s playing. Plus it is in stereo. She also uses a lot of reverb. This enables it to make it sound like more than one guitar. Paulina, the drummer does use a midi board to start and stop the click tracks, which is fed into their in-ears. They don’t use back tracks of vocals, because they all are singing. All three are capable of and do sing lead vocals on different songs. If you’re going to do a critical analysis, you should research the band first
No complicated rig is going to enable a solo guitarist play a lead solo with a rhythm guitar still playing behind them, except someone using a loop pedal but in this case that’s no loop pedal being used. Watched Teatro Metropolitan concert and the first song “Z” demonstrates this clearly. Towards the end of first verse you can clearly hear a guitar harmonic and then a lead guitar playing whilst she is still singing and no hands near the guitar. Further in that song when she plays a solo there is definitely a rhythm guitar backing her. Now either they have another guitarist off stage or a backtrack is being used.
Queen of the murder scene clearly has a keyboard being used as the first verse is ending and throughout the entire song. Now I’m not criticising their playing ability as it appears pretty solid for the parts they are playing but why not just use session musicians to fill in the blanks and be honest? Most of the biggest bands use session musicians on stage because it has always been accepted that extra instruments are used in the recording process to accentuate their art but live performances should be exactly that, live.
This is at the lower end of stage trickery when you see groups miming or using autotune etc but it’s not right.
Queen did the same thing vocal wise for bohemian rhapsody way back in the day but they were open about it … didn’t take over the live skill in delivering that sing just supported it … so there is a fine line to what’s supportive n makes a track better and what’s an excuse for not extending yourself 😊
still doesn’t mean they don’t suck lol
Thank you so much for the true power trio experience. Even rehearsals are a challenge. I love it!! Wouldn't want it any other way
It’s the only way.
Preach on brotha
@@KenneyBlanck Will do!
I miss my power trio days. It taught me how to push and pull a performance.
Totally agree on what you are saying I just want to add one perception I see these days ,the average Joe audience doesn’t notice these fakeries or cares these bands I say to myself are known as Karaoke bands.see them everywhere.
Most people don’t know! Very true!
The young generation goes for the social brownie points. The old legacy fans are happy to still be alive. Helluva a conundrum.
Many others like us want the real deal or have the band stay home that night and practice until they can perform what they sold us.
This is why I listen mostly to jazz players now. They don’t put up with that nonsense. You either can play the chops or you can’t
You were right on the nail with power trios, I spent 20 years in a power trio, tough going at times but highly worth it.
I know the band you are on about, as soon as I saw a live performance by them it seemed pretty blatant that they are having a lot of 'assistance'
What did surprise me is the amount of comments on the videos saying how great they are live, and I was thinking 'how on earth can you not here what is really going on'
Also, I will say that the band are very very talented, I just wish they would spend less time trying to look 'pouty' when playing, as they are better than that.
What band? No reason to 'Hide' it. Let it BE known!😊
I enjoy your channel and what you are doing. I got to see the Who several times from 1971 on. They always had a tape machine playing the keyboard track for Baba O'Riley. Those guys could tear it up like nobody's business.
Yeah I never felt that was cheating… those guys rocked.
Yep
Wow...Looking on the wall behind you I see the H Albert TB Whipped Cream LP album cover....Thanks Man.. Made me smile to a way back great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Right on!
I’ve got that in my vinyl collection. Classic album cover.
I noticed that too. My mother had that album and loved it. I think I still have it somewhere too.
I saw Rush in 81 - Geddy was fretting his bass -torus bass moog pedals,playing keys with right hand and singing
Man they epitomized making a 3 piece sound huge.
Rush is extraordinary
Im so disappointed i only saw them 3 times
Bastille Day, Anthem, Fly by Night.. ✔️✔️✔️
I had a power trio for a hot minute where I sang from the drums. I never worked so hard playing music. Trying to remember or read words, sing, and all 4 limbs playing drums. It was so much fun and different than I was used to.
That’s dedication!
True that! I am no lead singer, but usually sang about 5-10 songs a night to give the singers voice a rest and some songs like AC/DC would tear up his voice, so I did those.
Anyhow, it was a giant chore to sing, remember lyrics, and work all 4 limbs independently. The biggest thing was breathing control. If my mind wandered for a couple of seconds, I'd be out of breath because I play VERY HARD and if I didnt time my breaths perfectly, half a line of verse or chorus would be missing. It was a lot of pressure and focus.
@@kearneydillon4803 I thought it would be easy because I've always drummed an sang a little backup, it's different when you're the front man though. But you're right if you loose focus for a second it can unravel. We were doing a Tom Petty song that I could drum in my sleep but there was a part where I had to sing a line and do a signature drum lick, I remember thinking, wow that was harder than I expected.
Good morning Brad and Breakfast club Family, I will be back tomorrow. Therapy yesterday took all my energy. I have 5 mri’s being done on Monday. Thank you guys helping me stay focused taking my mind away from the damages.
I'm glad they are helping you. Best to you!
Hang in there! See you tomorrow
@@badbrad thank you Brad you rock🙏
@@giblespaul2001 thank you Paul🙏
@@phoenixbenjamin 🙏 rest up , new subscriber 👍
Knocking it out of the park ! Utoob needs to get on the stick and skyrocket your numbers.
PLEASE! Thank you.
Your videos are always engaging and entertaining. I watch other music related channels and my eyes glaze over. I’m down to a few subscriptions, one is you.
I think you have a formula for success if you have the patience. I know I don’t.
Lots of us older guitar slingers out here that resonate with your type of channel.
Keep the faith !
I went to a Shinedown show years ago and realized right away half of the sound was fake (playback). After some research after I got home I realized I was right. They use a TON of vocals prerecorded, guitar, etc. It was a real turn off for me. I'm sure people disagree but I'm an old metalhead and it should be all authentic!
Turn off for me as well.
It's a turnoff for me too. It makes it hard to listen to as well. I realize as I get older our favorite classics all have mistakes, but I miss it. Give me a bass pedal squeak, ungrounded guitar Amp and a singer with a cold and I'm in heaven. Your mileage may vary.
No excuse for a hard rock band like Shinedown to have 1/2 the sound in the can.
@@Assimilator702 Agreed, sounded at least half faked , the vocals were very easy too tell.
To me specially metal and rock should be live, that's what I have grown up with. Sure I'm fine with using as example playback for orchestra parts if you don't have an orchestra on stage. Using backing tracks for as example backing vocals I feel more conflicted about.
Dea Matrona is a girl group from Ireland. They both trade off guitar & bass and play difficult classic rock material like crossroads, lepplin & rory gallagher. They opened for Sheryl Crow when she played in Ireland earlier this year. They are having trouble breaking through to the big time.
It’s tough to break
Their great
What exactly is “the big time”?
I like Dea Matrona and they are doing quite well. Not sure what “trouble” they are having.
There are more artists in more genres of music “out there” today, than ever before.
Larkin Poe are a good comparison. They have established themselves as a top act in the category/genre they reside. If they manage to cross over into other genres they will enlarge their audience in size and diversity.
We need to stop the obsession with the “POP” category.
Dea Matrona, lest they crossover into that arena will do quite well…they already are…within the genres their style of music resides.
We forget, that “country” music bifurcated stylistically and adapted elements of rock enabling pioneering acts like Shania, BR Cyrus, Garth, to become mega stars and crossing into POP paving the way for Taylor, …we forget Swift used a country platform, drew a growing fan base of tweens and moved into the POP arena. Bob Dylan a genre shifter if there ever was one, accomplished something similar, going folk, to folk rock to country and on.
Thanks!
Appreciate you watching! Thank you!!!!!
Badbrad, I watch many music video’s and your right there are many bands that are using backing tracks. I watch the guitarist very, VERY closely and it’s discouraging when I hear stuff that there not really playing!
Yeah, it's kinda a bummer.
Most people who have played for a bit and been to many live shows can tell al
Have to be referencing the Warning Brad. Been digging them with the same questions and concerns you discuss here. Things sure have evolved in our lifetimes. Really enjoyed your channel since before your departure from Nashville. Hoping FL is working well for you and the family. Thank you brother…God bless.
Thank you! Appreciate the support!
What's going to happen when all us old guys are gone, will any young musicians keep the old ways alive? I sure hope so.
There will be some but without us old fans with money buying tickets it could be over.
The thing about Zeppelin live back then was Jimmy Page used so many overdubs on the studio records that they could never really reproduce it on stage
But they suited up and went for it....
I am a college professor about to retire. The students are using AI and there is nothing we can do about it. On vacation my wife, daughter and son in law were at a little out bar/grill with a good sized band playing. They were so good, I would say five members. "I never figured out where the full orchestra was at on stage.
wow probably orchestra tracks....
Oh boy. They will never know the thrill of digging through the card catalog and then trying to find the book you desperately need for the research paper on the shelf and never finding it. Then having to type the 35 page paper up on a manual typewriter.
Circling the drain we are ... nothing is safe or sacred anymore ..
I appreciate this testimony so much as a musician and a photographer. I strive to find these channels that have between 5-10,000 subs because I know they are for real and not sold out to companies and sponsors. I totally agree with you and yes, I have seen so many peeps toting their laptops and iPads onto the stage and I wonder, just like you... Is this real music and I can only be sold when I measure their performance and passion during this experience. Keep doing what you do.. You are always gonna have the surface people buying into this, but all of us that really dive deep and are truly moved buy the music will always question those that are not 100% genuine. Thank you for this video. You yourself exude authenticity and players-listeners like us appreciate it!
Thank you so much!!!
Yep.
And this goes back maybe a couple of decades ago, maybe longer.
Like you, I prefer to hear the "real" band and what they can do with their instruments and voices.
So sad.
You and me both!
Yep
Marching to 10,000. Keep going, Brad.
Sweet used backing tracks as far back as 1974. There's a live Musicladen video of "No You Don't", where the mid section is clearly a playback. The difference is, the band didn't pretend to play when it comes on. Eventually, they join in and play to the backing track before taking over the rest of the song when the playback section is over.
I hear you!
Queen did the same thing on live versions of Bohemian Rapsody.
@mikemeengs5720 Yup. They sure did. I've seen that too.
This is why I love going to see a lot of jazz and fusion guys. Seeing Richie Kotzen with his power trio or the Winery Dogs, Greg Howe, Esperanza Spalding, Mike Stern, Steve Morse Band and the Dixie Dregs, Pat Metheny and so many more recently, they're the real deal: super talented and delivering the goods like popular artists often can't because they're on a different level after putting in the real work and specifically training to improvise so they give a slightly different show every night, even if the setlist is the same. To me, musicians who improvise rather than try to duplicate the songs on the album, are in the highest ranks for me.
AMEN
Brad, the other night I saw a recent performance of WASP opening up with " I Wanna Be Somebody" and he was moving away from the microphone and you could still hear his vocals singing. I couldn't believe all the nit wits in the crowd throwing their fists up and banging their heads and seeming ok with that. I would have walked out haha. I saw The Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood, Deep Purple and YES over the summer and they were all 100% live. Guys in their mid 70's and still sounded great. Happy Friday to you and family Brad!
A lot of artists lipsync to themselves. The Eagles have been accused of doing so.
Hey Brad. Yea, man, this AI stuff, and technology can take souls right out of bands. I believe you. I'm the same age, lol. It's sad but true. We'll keep our chins up!
Yes we will!!!
As much as I looooove the ladies, I can’t stand the Peter teasers. It’s saved me more time than I could ever know. The girls in halter tops falling off with their lovelies draped over the guitar get a “don’t recommend channel “ from me. You’re right brother, there’s little real art and skill out there anymore. Hopefully this inspires a renaissance, and not just spells the end.
Man you know it....
Art and skill are still relevant, It just moved to Asia. My Band is getting it together and I think that people will like it :)
@ sweet man. Make sure we get a chance to hear it.
You, Brad, are real and appreciated.
AI- Augmented inference.
I look forward to when we stop letting 2 letters drive so much negative dialogue.
You and me both.
As you know bro I am new to this music game, but this is why I made the decision when I wrote, played, sang and mixed my first song that I will never fake it. Sure I may not be the next Elvis, but I have always been authentic from everything from my vocals to my slightly above average (At Best) guitar playing. I am always trying to improve, I am always learning and I will always play my music. I think what we need more than ever in music is pure authenticity, especially in todays world with A.I. and faked live performances. I wish people would upload more original work with their emotions, perfections and flaws included. Is that not what music is about anyway? Sharing a story, creating a connection and sharing art.
Very true.
This past Tuesday I went to an open mic. Sat and watched and listened. An unkempt woman carrying a worn out guitar bag pulled out her black Segovia acoustic which I came to learn was a hand me down from her brother. Her nerves were palpable and evident in her playing but she didn't hold back. She didn't have a pick up installed on this old guitar so her voice and guitar were incongruent to us. All her quirks were on full display and the audience was so accommodating. I turned to a guy seated next to me and exclaimed....."this is why I come to these things".
Oh man, you are spot on, period! You are calling it for waht it is. Thanks brother!!
I hear ya!
A friend of mine, who drums for Sonny Landreth, and owns and operates his own studio in Louisiana, put it best when he said, “ Don’t believe anything you hear!”
He broke down a single vocal line and showed me how he can break it down and select the best syllables and put them together to get the best “take.” That doesn’t even account for autotune or other studio trickery.
Oh man
Fellow old guy here! Rock on Dude.
Thank you!!!
@@badbrad subscribed
@@johnn58 Thank you!
Man, this reminds me of Steve Lukather being interviewed by Rick Beato on how some people are great on UA-cam, but can't play for shiz live. As a female guitarist, I've seen some of these girlie videos. Real pretty but SO fake.
Your comment hits hard. Thank you.
Yes but this idiot is trying to discount Alex Lifeson because Rush triggered samples ?
He's that deluded he thinks he cam compare himself to them ?
😅😂😂😂😂😂
Where does one draw the line? Acts can have technology, a 6 piece backing band, wigs and makeup, lasers/ lights/ pyro, and costumes, among other things. It's all trickery in one way or another. Even great playing technique can be used to cover up poor songwriting. Rock and roll is like pro wrestling: it's as real as you want it to be. Being concerned with whether or not it fits a standard of "reality," is only something other musicians care about.
Perhaps
I saw Zeppelin in '77. Doesn't make me much of an expert at anything other than getting tickets (hard to do back in the day!) Keep truckin Brad!
You are one lucky person to see them!
@@badbrad 1st concert. I had heard that live music was quite loud. When the lights went down everyone stood on their chairs. I braced myself thinking I may be hit with some wall of sound! They actually weren't that loud.
I saw Zeppelin in '77 and I was in Rock Star heaven ! 😊
I bet
hey man, do you still play live? I play in a kickin' church (yeah, church!) band and we use all that stuff you're talking about - in ears, click count off, click track/song arrangement track (calling out each part of the song, including "1st verse - softly", "Chorus - build", etc.). plus we have instrumental tracks w/strings, synths, etc. that's pretty standard stuff these days on any stage. (and I'm a rocker from the 70's)🙂 - just sayin' ...
Wings of Pegasus historically was praising great singers that could hit high notes and sing in tune. Only recently he has fallen into the fake singing controversy including the eagles, Ken Tamplin & Taylor Swift
I like his channel alot
Yes, he was doing almost purely positive commentary vids on guitarists etc.
Even today with his exposé vids he is really soft spoken, careful with words.
Vids with occasional piquant verbal spice makes more fun though. But I understand the carefulness thinking of how trolls may affect and behave.
@@badbrad A video of his got The Eagles, Don Henley specifically, to sing live again! That's an amazing thing!
@@OSXManFil Henley and Don Henley have the same last name 😬
The new direction of the channel could possibly jumpstart a change is the music industry for the better. I praise the work WoP is doing.
I am 42 and I have seen KoRn 67 times in 8 states since 1998. It would break my heart to know they aren’t playing because their sound and John’s live vocals are so amazing. I do remember when they released KoRn III Remember who you are and they bragged about recording it with know clicks or any tracks. It does sound pretty raw.
They may be 100 percent real...I don't know.
@@badbradI hope so. It’s so sad that we even have to have this conversation. My whole life I wanted to be the next rock star because I love music, performance, and therapy it provides to myself and others. To think people are taking this dream for granted is gross. Great video
Have a great day Bad Brad
You are the best thank you!
I can't tell you about the mainstream but the underground metal lives
Glad to hear it!
I’m glad I saw most major rock bands back in the 70s when they played real music. Two years ago in Ohio I saw Alice Cooper, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard. I thought Def Leppard was great. Every note was perfect, but that leads me to believe there was a reason it sounded like that, and it was not because they were playing live. I’ve been listening to triumph’s “fight the good fight” video from the US concert 72, I believe, and that’s a great live performance!
I play in an Elton John tribute called Still Standing. Unlike most tribute bands, we don't use ANY sequencers, tracks, or fake harmonies. We do it all live. Including singing the harmonies live. Just 5 guys. No extra devoted chick singers. the musicians do it all.
wow Salute!
❤❤❤
Bad Brad has given us The Warning about truthful playing.
wink wink
Bahahahaha!!
Figured it was them.. they're frauds
From your perspective, being a musician, you ask the question "Is rock dead" , but if you step back and look from a Birds Eye view. The real question is "Is all art and performance dead?" A.I. and robots will do anything we can do 1000 times better,cheaper, and faster. The last slice of pie for musicians is going to be live performances, WITH MISTAKES to prove your human, and show your personality,
Well said my friend.
Good morning Brad, hope all is well.
Good morning! Thanks for watching.
2:05 yea I see those , it just further blocks me makin guitar content.
Well im blockin myself really
I went to see the artist live and never walked out becuse of a bad note. We would go Fri Sat and Sunday high as a kite. Thanks ever so much. I'll remember them who's going to remember AI? but as for the AI in you tube it's a big problem with the likes. Love the show you make.
Thank you Neil!
I'm 65 and the bass player/lead singer for a power trio. No auto tune, no backing tracks, and my laptop is used to wirelessly control our digital mixer as we do all we do without a dedicated sound engineer. I'm it. Now, we do use a multipad that delivers an occasional sound effect e.g. a jet engine sound to start "Back in the USSR". Point being, laptops don't always mean backing tracks are being used. Oh,also, we certainly use in ear monitors so that we can have a "silent stage" (we also use amp modelers) which lessens chances for feedback issues and allows each of us to hear a personalized mix. If you're a singer, there's nothing like hearing yourself with IEMs to keep your pitch. No click tracks, no count ins, people appreciate that we actually play our instruments and sing our vocals live with a little reverb.....
Right on.
Happy holidays,Brad.I hope your enjoying that beautiful Florida winter ✌️&💓
Thanks man! It's not too bad down here right now.
I opened for Geoff Tate a few years back on the OMC anniversary tour. It was about half and half backing tracks but they let the laptop be seen and owned up to it right up front. The operator was there with it as he was part of the band. Geoff definitely sang all the leads and if he couldn’t quite hit it he held the mic to the crowd and they happily handled the parts!! But my point is that it wasn’t hidden and the respect stands.
That is ok...at least they were honest.
Rock has never been dead in my opinion.. The mainstream media pushes all the hip hop garbage over everything else.. They don't advertise Rock like they used to.. We need something equivalent to MTV.. Anywhere I go, especially at work, all they play is hip hop .. Id rather staple my hand to the carpet myself.
Man
I play in 3 piece blues trios, rock bands tribute bands, no tracks laptops sequencers, in ears only for large stages with subs & line arrays. A 6 piece show band I’m in just did a theatre gig with multiple medleys. Clicks used for tempos intro & some percussion tracks & synth pads to emulate a horn section.. would rather have a 2-3 pc horn section & congas and other percs but no one is hiring a 10 pc plus band. So we make use of programmed horns ( not all the through the song) & percussion. Still real for me as we need to give the audience the best possible bang for their buck with minimal live instruments. Meanwhile this weekend tribute band with pedal steel player that plays guitar & violin, keyboards Nord Stage has cool B3 sounds & piano, he plays accordion, Guitarists play harmonica mandolins & dobro’s… so one extreme to another for me
You're a busy man and that is always a good thing.
Probably wanting a quiet stage, thus they may also be using electric drums, or drums on a backtrack. Personally I have long gone given up on lugging my stereo rigs around and have settled on a Kemper which has profiles of my rigs. My duo runs on backtracks as full bands here don’t really get gigs. My duo also gets paid the same as a glorified karaoke singer. Sad situation, all about income. We actually make deliberate mistakes to prove we’re not miming 😉
We really think alike, Brad. Boy, you really did the L.A scene back in the day, I was always the singer ,guitar man, creator, in a power trio that did biker parties and " ten barrel yahoos in the woods" in those days. Can't even imagine your life with your drive and talent. Have a happy day.
I've played a few Rallys and they were always fun.
I actually found this amazing guitar player to work with lately and we did some recording without a click track. Everyone else was thinking I’m crazy because they won’t be able to conveniently add DAW tracks later. How can you perform the mood of the song if it has an electronic tempo. Click track? Nah for me but I’m 62🤣🤣
A click does make it easier to add stuff later but if you got a solid drum track you don’t have to have it.
I saw ZZTop in San Diego in 1975 when they opened for Aerosmith. I could not believe 3 guys could sound that good. Amazing sound WITHOUT all of today's technology.
Back then they were raw and awesome but I think they have assistance these days.
back in the day the most we used were dod distortion analog delays flangers but most of it was strait up guitar and amp gain because its an art to master those pedals live what he said is the truth he knows the way it is great insight here
I’ve had similar conversations just in the last few days with seasoned pros.
They are all saying how prevalent the backing tracks are now.
Once a few samples, triggers, and loops started happening the flood gates opened up.
In the olden days, bands didn’t want the bootlegs happening partly because the live sound didn’t sound like the album quality.
Nowadays everyone is recording with gadgets, the groups are trying to keep the fantasy in the forefront, but the live recordings can just be evidence of the con.
Talking About The Warning. They Use Ableton In Their Performances. You Should Definitely Check Out Band-Maid...
I hear you brother Brad. Whether on stage or making UA-cam vids one should strive to be 100% REAL. No trickery...auditory or visual 🧓
man you know it!
I'm real Brad. Cheers!
Glad to have you here.
My guess is you're talking about The Warning. They have some catchy tunes, but I agree, it sounds a bit too good live. I'm 100% sure they can play, but not many people sound that good live. The best live band I ever heard was Jethro Tull...I'm pretty sure they had some backing vocal tracks even back in the mid to late 70's.
Man you know it!
Sometimes backing singers were hidden offstage, before modern tech cheats.
Green Day is a trio but adds an extra guitar player when playing live. Rush band members play keyboards and a moog they play with their feet.
Very true and they do a solid job….
very interesting , just learning about all the tricks being used , I miss the times when I could see SRV play every chance I could which was many talk about amazing and real , a little to young to see hendrix live unfortunately but my brother saw him when he was in the service and said it was amazing I think when he was stationed in pensacola
I saw SRV as well. Amazing real and raw!
Thanks for the video. I just subscribed. Also, love the Whipped Cream Album on the wall
Appreciate that! Nice eye on the Whipped Cream
Two 80’s solo singers had exceptionally brilliant musicians Ozzy with Randy Rhodes, Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge and David Lee Roth with Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonet…
They did indeed.
Really enjoyed your commentary, Brad! Oh, I saw Zeppelin in 1977 in St. Paul, Mn. I remember Jimmy Page playing acoustic guitar and getting so excited that he accidentally yanked the cord out of his guitar! That was funny. Great show.😋
That's awesome!
My name is Brad. Bad Brad was one of my nicknames. Thanks for the insight.
Thank you for dropping by.
We're in a time where PRODUCTION is the key element in the music industry.
It isnt the players or the vocal artist... Its the PRODUCER.
Look at Tylor Swift... 3.5 hours of production/performance per SHOW.
The key here.. its a SHOW.
In the middle '70s we saw the same thing happen as the aging Hippy bands which were the main-stay of AM radio began toying with synths, early computer toys and new studio techniques in order to fill oug a sound which could fill STADIUMS.
PUNK and DIY blew that whole "mechanical" dynamic up..... Or did it?
Was it ever 100% REAL?
As musicians we all think the music is the MAIN thing... it aint... its the Show...
As you have pointed out many times.
The theres that old myth we old Rock and Rollers want to still believe...
That four like minded guys get together, maybe one guy is just off the bus from Altoona PN, and they find eqch other in the clubs, reherse the sound, and make great rock n roll after a couple years of tooling around with concept afetr concept....
Or a coiple of talented guys rent a house in the Hollywood Hills, and a generation of fellow musicians follow, resulting in an incestual 5-10 years of great music.
Its all "true" at some level....
But much more likely today a PRODUCER (and his money guy) put rogetehr a couple of interesting faces, buy some songs and fake it.. both on and off stage.
Johnny Bravo rides Again!
Man you nail it!
@@badbradRight back at ya!
As Billy Squire once sang... "Stroke Me, Stroke Me!"
I would guess that the major labels are requiring bands use tracks if for no reason that 95% of the fans expect to hear the studio version at a show these days. If so could be near impossible to compete in most commercial genres without using tracks. Thoughts?
I get it. I'm 67 and attended 70s concerts. But now, no band has been 100% live for decades. They all use clicks and some backing tracks. That being said, The Warning is legit. They put out their first two albums by themselves and they were great live. You can see Pau (the drummer) adding in the screens behind them plus some piano track they played. I believe their third album they started working with David Bendeth. He gave them a click to use because he told them that they were not always on time. They are talented and tight enough to really not need any of that stuff though. They have a lot of early material online that demonstrates this. So, as old rockers, we can just get stuck on the fact that old bands didn't have this stuff so they were better, or admit that technology is constantly changing, that allows both good and not so good musicians to sound even better. In this case, I know that they good musicians and vocalists.
Ok
To your point about the warning. Doing a metallica cover (only cover that night and last song) before they signed with lava. Bassist just turned 14, drummer about to turn 17 & guitarist turning 19 a few days after this gig.
ua-cam.com/video/fhhG5EiFiyA/v-deo.htmlsi=Mw7smyfbfIvagJ-i
Easy to figure out the group he's talking about. I dont doubt they play their own instruments, but backing tracks to add to the basic sound is common today. They may not have the budget for two more players, another guitarist & keyboardist. Bet budget is the big reason......
Perhaps
Did you watch the Taylor Swift video about her latest Concerts tour. All backing tracks. She mouthed every show.
So much $ is being made and the audience seemingly is either not caring or unaware.
Why is she so popular I cant name 1 of her songs ...oh yeah she is a puppet, a social influencer pushing vaxx's and other crap.
Good stuff as always
Im musically inclined, I can learn by ear, but my ability doesnt go to the extent to notice the nuances your pointing out. Ive fled the city for upstate NY, the nearest large venue for me is an amphitheater where this thing called woodstock once took place. Ive seen acts like Steely Dan, Dave Matthews, and YES play there, its all sounded live as live can be, but now im gonna be questioning that next time i go when the season starts again next summer. Like the Maxell tape ad slogan, lol
I think the groups you mentioned would be live.
@@badbrad I certainly hope, ive seen the laptop drummer before but not with them and had been wondering so thanks for that
Sounds like the Warning ,3 sisters the oldest in her early 20's, i too noticed some rhythm guitar playing when the lead was playing lead. Being a player it also did not make sense to me.
that being said i watched some old Page and Plant show from a 95 tour and it had me watching for 2 hours. the new bands play i listen for 20 seconds. thank god i was born in 65, do the math i was in my perfect years in life to experience that amazing music.
Can’t beat the classics
I could not agree more with what you're saying here and thanks for putting it like you did. Just for me, I'd rather hear an unpretty truth than a beautiful lie. When you're using technology to take the place of what you're singing or playing, that's a sort of a lie. Doesn't matter if you're an unknown or a headliner. I have used the drum track off my keyboard to simulate drums on my videos. That's about it. Everything else I do on a video on here is 130 percent me, right or wrong.
Honesty is such a lonely word.
I'm an old dude who had some success with my electronic music in the 90's-2000's. Now days, there are so many people doing music with electronics...some legit, some cheap and fake as hell.
So, I now release my music via live video recordings just to set myself apart from the wannabes. It's a bitch to get a great take, but worth the effort.
They’re not even hiding it anymore. I saw an ad recently for one of our local competitor bands who were looking for a new guitarist. He listed the ‘must have’ stuff… it blew my mind. No amps allowed, and must be familiar with in-ears and backing tracks, etc. The kicker is that these guys are early to mid 50’s. It must not be going so well because this will be the 3rd guitarist they’ve lost in over a year.
Omg!!!😱
The trickery has gotten far more sophisticated and pervasive in music, as you said and as illustrated by Phil on Wings of Pegasus. If anyone watches vintage music videos on UA-cam, he or she will see that many pop bands lipsynced and faked playing guitar to their own recordings in the 1960s when performing their hit songs on TV. The fakery was sometimes all too obvious to anyone watching closely. You could explore the truth on a related topic. Sometimes club owners and audiences will find out that the band they expected to hear sounds very different performing live than what they heard in demos or recordings with the help of professional studio engineers.
Huge difference being quick mime for a 5 min TV show , without hours of soundchecks and load-in set up or even having a broadcast sound engineer accustomed to mixing live bands , as opposed to a headlining arena act playing a 90 min set .
You said it best badbrad, real is real and fake is FAKE!!!!!!
🙏
It’s so sweet when it is real and it connects with the audience.
It is indeed
Maybe Imposter Syndrome is more endemic than we would like to think. Beethoven once said: "To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable", but it seems as if this logic has been inverted in recent times. I've seen a bunch of the younger content creators complain about "Boomer Nostalgia", but the fact of the matter is that much of the music from that era had an energy and an _aliveness_ that I'm not hearing in a lot of performances today. I'm not sure what the expectations are these days but I don't think we have to drive the humanity out of everything to get there.
Well said!
I saw ZZ Top live a few years ago and with my musician ears could hear them playing along to additional tracks like a rhythm guitar or tambourine ect added to the live performance. Billy's falsetto vocal on 'legs' was really perfect....maybe too perfect that was he using an extra vocal track....I don't know. Still a good show as they were playing live but I would have preferred to hear hear them raw as a trio they way they used to sound. I think they add the extra tracks to make the songs sound more like the album versions.
Yeah I have thought the same thing
@@badbrad They've gone "Vegas' where the show has to be a spectacle now. So while the band is playing live the sound needs to be expanded sonically with more tracks to get that big production sound of their records. Playing like a raw power trio at a bar gig won't get that huge slick sound live which is what they are shooting for. So on that level I get it....sort of like Hip Hop using samples. But ironically many of the fans would actually love to hear them strip it down and play like a bar band again!!
Ive always preferred live music over listening to studio tracks. After i heard "live" aol sessions, they were too good. As awesome as the sound quality was i was disappointed because i knew i was listening to the engineer.
I get that.
Good stuff as always Brad!
It sure is good to hear from old school musicians that have not only played the music that we love but have lived the life of playing the music we love!
Old school drummer☝️✝️👑🙏🥁👍✌️🥁🙂
Rock on!
I had many questions the first time I saw those Dirty Loops videos years ago....I kinda still question.
Oh man....I often wonder when I see some of that stuff.
There are a lot of guitar cover videos where the guy is miming his own recorded parts, or worse miming to somebody else's guitar track
Oh man
That's what I'm all about. Old school and actually play everything I made live with just my amp live and raw. What ya see is what ya get. Almost no effects bc the riffs don't need it. I guess just a little bit of delay and a touch of reverb just to sound fuller. Plug in, ready, go. That's me, but I play straight metal old school with a semi modern touch imo.
I love old school.
I'm only interested in hearing a band that can play live what their recording sounds like. Saying that, i never listen to any Metal or Rock bands that use all of that computer enhancements. I like raw and hard live sounds from a Metal or rock band. It's about their true musicianship, what they sound like live should be what their recordings sound like. I want to see REAL musicians not magicians. On that note, I am a first time viewer and new sub, have a wonderful day and thank you for posting this topic.
The WRNING. Great performers, they admit to using trax live in interviews. Guitar player also use octave sound to get a fuller sound you can find it where she talks about it on rig rundown.
Good band but not 100% live.
Hey Brad thanks so much for your video. On the 27th of December I’ll be releasing a small live album from The Camden Club London session. 100% live. Mixed & mastered myself. Joined by a top bass player & amazing keys player all originals.
I really can’t enjoy fakery. It’s very disappointing. That’s just my opinion & each to their own ❤
Man that is awesome! Congrats and much success
It seems the bigger the pay, the more likely it is for bands to pipe in tracks. Musicians understand and care about this. The ordinary person doesn't know or care.
Perhaps so
I remember when Milli Vanilli was drummed out of the business for lip-syncing. Now we're to the point where bands cancel their tours because their laptops were stolen, and their audience is fine with it. I would say real live music is definitely on the ropes.
It is indeed.
The first time I really noticed this was a ZZ Top show around the year 2000.
Yeah they may have been using this for a while
ZZ Top plays to tracks now, very pathetic.