MÖTLEY CRÜE’s bassist, Nikki Sixx, once called out another band for employing taped vocals during live performances while defending his own band’s use of backing tracks. However, allegations have recently emerged suggesting that MÖTLEY CRÜE themselves have been relying on pre-recorded backing tracks during their live shows, sparking controversy within the music community.
Nikki Sixx took to Twitter to criticize an unnamed band for claiming to be a “real rock band” without background singers while using taped vocals. Many fans speculated that he was referring to KISS, particularly due to lead singer Paul Stanley’s struggles to hit high notes in the band’s classic songs. Stanley has faced accusations of singing to a backing tape during KISS’s “End Of The Road” tour.
Sixx tweeted: “Certain band out on the road right now putting other bands DOWN and saying that they are a REAL rock band, no background singers, and other old people cranky comments except his lead vocals are on tape. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw rocks. #GetOffMyLawn #WizardOfOz”
Gene Simmons, KISS’s bassist, and vocalist, has previously voiced his disapproval of bands using backing tracks. He criticized those who fail to disclose their reliance on backing tracks on concert tickets, considering its dishonesty. Simmons commended bands like AC/DC, METALLICA, and even KISS itself for not utilizing backing tracks during live performances.
Despite Gene Simmons’ stance, Nikki Sixx defended MÖTLEY CRÜE’s use of backing tracks during live concerts. He acknowledged that the band has been incorporating technology since 1987 and openly embraced it, considering it a valuable tool to enhance their sound.
In contrast to Sixx’s acceptance, MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars expressed discomfort with the band’s use of pre-recorded backing vocals during live shows. Mars preferred watching bands perform entirely live, appreciating the rawness and authenticity of their performances. He highlighted his admiration for bands from the ’60s and ’70s, emphasizing their ability to deliver powerful performances without relying on backing tracks.
Earlier this year, Mick Mars filed a lawsuit against his former MÖTLEY CRÜE bandmates (Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil, and Tommy Lee), alleging that they had fake-played and pre-recorded some of their vocals and instruments during the tour. This legal action not only cast a shadow over MÖTLEY CRÜE but also raised concerns about the band’s integrity among their fanbase.
The conflict leading to the lawsuit appears to have originated when Mars, who suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, informed the band and management that he would not be able to continue touring. However, Mars performed at every show of the extended tour, enduring constant pain.
While MÖTLEY CRÜE did not directly address the use of backing tracks in their initial responses to the allegations, they released a statement in April 2023 stating that Mick Mars struggled with chords, played the wrong songs, and made constant mistakes, which ultimately led to his departure from the band. This statement aimed to provide clarity but left fans with lingering questions about the band’s use of backing tracks in their live performances.
