I agree that using backing extends what is sonically possible. Take a look at the Depeche Mode 101 concert video. They use reel to reel players to fill out the songs, but, look up videos of Alan Wilder demoing how he played the various keyboard parts and you'll be amazed at how intricately he programmed those 88 keys so that he could play his synth parts live – all the fills that give those songs their character. On an early Kansas recording they also included some live recordings, and they played back the orchestra parts from a reel. It may have been "Sparks of the tempest" off the remastered "Point of know return". I think fans are sometimes disappointed when songs played live don't sound like they do on the CD. You also realise how hard it is to stay in time with pre-recorded elements when you play like this the first time. Take a look at this video where STS9 talk about how they sync live:

It'll blow your mind!

V8

The question is way too broad.

What it comes down to for me is whether or not the person is acting out their performance vs actually performing it.

Miming along to a song - I would see that as a cheat.

Adding extra material, or supplementing the song with effects and/or supporting backing tracks I would not consider cheating.

daveo1977 It'll blow your mind!

It did - thanks! I reckon that the drummer can send a master tempo to the rest of the midi clocks was the most amazing - so he can check what BPM he is at, and it follow's him whilke sending out his bpmn to everyone else's rig(s)- very, very, very cool.

RCVN What it comes down to for me is whether or not the person is acting out their performance vs actually performing it.

So it depends on the performer? I'd largely agree - though I do have a minor bugbear around 80's sounding midi instruments, it just sounds like one hasn't bothered when you hear some terribly tinny horns!

One other interesting use of 'backing' I saw used was a djent band (Opeth, or Periphery, or someone else - can't recall). When they went to digital processing (Kemper's), they programmed in all their patch changes - so they could just play and the rig would automatically change from clean to heavy to whatever as they went through the song. Still had to play to a click, but in djent, it's part of the 'style' so that's really not a issue.

V8 it just sounds like one hasn't bothered when you hear some terribly tinny horns!

I agree, but that is a matter of taste..

V8 so they could just play and the rig would automatically change from clean to heavy to whatever as they went through the song. Still had to play to a click, but in djent, it's part of the 'style' so that's really not a issue.

I've seen a few muso's do this type of thing, but haven't seen an actual band do it on stage. Good use of tech.

High quality backing tracks are hard and expensive to get a hold of. On the other hand if you perform solo, BTs are essential for a cover set. The most BTs are virtually the same as the original with key changes(limited before it goes wonky) and some limited stretch as well. I prefer to write my own and put a unique mix of instruments in a cover or one of my originals.. just my thoughts

Aah the crux of the matter, no not cheating unless you mime playing certain instruments.

as a feeling .... Backing tracks? probably yes, loops , sequencing ... I feel not
But that is just me ... is very subjective
Do DJs make music ?
Do Rappers sing ?
Are Chemical Brothers a band ?
to me... Is the same question
And I'm inclined to think it doesn't matter as far as a like what I see or listen to.
I guess it also matters if it feels authentic, honest

Anything live with a full band playing over a backing track and I will be completely muf. Like those 'live' TV shows but they are just acting over a studio recorded set.
If it is just you, sure, go for it. People are there to listen to your voice or look at your curly hair. Some pads in the background, no problemo.

But the way backing tracks are used in modern live shows are just as evil and disgusting as autotune.
Sure, use it for studio recording etc. But do not label it 'live'.

I enjoy "backtrack" stuff for special effects and stuff, like sounds of thunder and lightening etc.

Bands (note, not single artists) using a full backtrack for something like a bass track feels like lying... If a band is "making a living" from their music should we begrudge them the opportunity to do that if they use backtracks? I'm in two minds... on one hand surely they could find a "full band" to jam with and make their living... on the other hand many venues aren't paying enough to support full bands anymore.

My personal preference is I enjoy bands who "do it all live" as opposed to those that use backtracks.

d10221 Are Chemical Brothers a band ?

Heh, it's a funny question...Did I enjoy Metallica more than Chemical Bros or Fatboy Slim? (All played back to back at a festival I was lucky enough to be at). Actually I thought My favourite two that time were were Fatboy Slim and Soulfly, Chemical Bros were okay - subjectively better than Metallica on the day...But none of them could match Skunk Anasie, Skin is some front 'man'!

I got no love for backing tracks - though I admit it's a necessary evil. I've often thought a dj/sequencer would be funy to have as a band member. As long as there's no crappy canned general midi instruments, I'll keep my grumbles to myself.

d10221 For the record , I do like Chemical Brothers ...
?

Me too! Though the last few albums weren't quite up to the mind bending effect the first two had on me.