Pre-recorded anything LIVE sucks...

[Hollywood]

A lot of people think Journey has over layed Perry's vocals for background. I think they are unaware that Deen sounds so much like Perry that that is where the sound comes from. Deen was a MAJOR acquisition for Journey. Not only is he only one of a handful of rock drummers who can hold a candle to Steve Smith, but he sings and is the only drummer that was ever in the band to do this. Most of the live back grounds are done by Jon and Deen with very little Neal or Ross involved. They do use digital backing vocals on a very small number of tracks and it does bother me, because it is not necessary. The only ones I know for sure are "I'll Be Alright With Out You" and when they played "Girl Can't Help It". They should just do them as Journey songs and not try to recreate what Perry did not Raised on Radio. This was a great record, but a huge departure for sure.

I have no problem with click tracks as a guide especially on big shows with lights and production. There is no other way to do it. Journey had to redo "Faithfully" at the Vegas gig, not because the band was off, but the whole stage and video production was off.

The band Trixter actually had a fifth member. A keyboard player named Liad Cohen that the record company insisted not be on the stage or in promo for the band. They said this was a huge point of contention, but felt they could not win. Jani Lane fought Columbia to have their touring keyboard player on the stage. Funny enough they one and their opener was Trixter with an off stage, fully paid and vested fifth member. Van Halen still keep their keyboardist of stage since 88 it has been Alan Fitzgerald from Night Ranger.

There are great au natural bands out there though. King's X is a band that uses complex arrangement and intricate three part harmonies and they use nothing to aid them. They will play clams every once in a while and they take it very lightly because it happens.

As far as Def Leppard goes, I would doubt that Rick Savage is triggering anything on stage. Most triggers and backing stuff is handled by the sound guys. He does use his pedals a lot, but they are Moog Taurus bass pedals and they enhance the bass. Chris Squire (YES)and John Wetton (ASIA) use them and they are awesome. Really make the building rock. They are modeled after church organ pedals.

There are acts, mostly pop, that sing nothing and it is a ripoff to fans and peers and it should never be accepted.

[Rick]

A lot of people think Journey has over layed Perry's vocals for background. I think they are unaware that Deen sounds so much like Perry that that is where the sound comes from. Deen was a MAJOR acquisition for Journey. Not only is he only one of a handful of rock drummers who can hold a candle to Steve Smith, but he sings and is the only drummer that was ever in the band to do this. Most of the live back grounds are done by Jon and Deen with very little Neal or Ross involved. They do use digital backing vocals on a very small number of tracks and it does bother me, because it is not necessary. The only ones I know for sure are "I'll Be Alright With Out You" and when they played "Girl Can't Help It". They should just do them as Journey songs and not try to recreate what Perry did not Raised on Radio. This was a great record, but a huge departure for sure.

I have no problem with click tracks as a guide especially on big shows with lights and production. There is no other way to do it. Journey had to redo "Faithfully" at the Vegas gig, not because the band was off, but the whole stage and video production was off.

The band Trixter actually had a fifth member. A keyboard player named Liad Cohen that the record company insisted not be on the stage or in promo for the band. They said this was a huge point of contention, but felt they could not win. Jani Lane fought Columbia to have their touring keyboard player on the stage. Funny enough they one and their opener was Trixter with an off stage, fully paid and vested fifth member. Van Halen still keep their keyboardist of stage since 88 it has been Alan Fitzgerald from Night Ranger.

There are great au natural bands out there though. King's X is a band that uses complex arrangement and intricate three part harmonies and they use nothing to aid them. They will play clams every once in a while and they take it very lightly because it happens.

As far as Def Leppard goes, I would doubt that Rick Savage is triggering anything on stage. Most triggers and backing stuff is handled by the sound guys. He does use his pedals a lot, but they are Moog Taurus bass pedals and they enhance the bass. Chris Squire (YES)and John Wetton (ASIA) use them and they are awesome. Really make the building rock. They are modeled after church organ pedals.

There are acts, mostly pop, that sing nothing and it is a ripoff to fans and peers and it should never be accepted.

Damn. I thought they redid Faithfully because Arnel goofed on the lyrics. Was fun to see the redos though.

[Ehwmatt]

Leppard might be using backing vox to fatten up the sound but I'd be surprised if they were totally relying on them - I've heard those guys break into Armageddon It acapella to discount notions like the ones being set forth here.

[Barnephiliac]

Though not a major act, I heard House of Lords singer James Christian is depending on lip synching too. Started a topic in the 'miscellanious band' forum. Any of you guys something to say about his 'singing'.

http://forums.melodicrock.com/phpBB/vie ... hp?t=33883

[Andrew]

Though not a major act, I heard House of Lords singer James Christian is depending on lip synching too. Started a topic in the 'miscellanious band' forum. Any of you guys something to say about his 'singing'.

http://forums.melodicrock.com/phpBB/vie ... hp?t=33883

James has adamantly denied this and I believe him. They do however use piped in keyboards and triggered backing vocals.

[Jeremey]

James has adamantly denied this and I believe him. They do however use piped in keyboards and triggered backing vocals.

Understanding the financial constraints against melodic rock and live music in general, and the mega-advances in technology and price, it's understandable that this would be happening. If someone can't find a keyboard player willing to travel 500 miles for a few hundred bucks a gig, it's tough not to rely on technology in order to be able to do the gig and give the audience a proper show. It's a financial issue, and not from a greed standpoint, but from a "we can't do it without this" standpoint. Now national acts touring with whole backing bands under the stage for $75 a ticket shouldn't get off so easily.

[Pelata]

James has adamantly denied this and I believe him. They do however use piped in keyboards and triggered backing vocals.

Understanding the financial constraints against melodic rock and live music in general, and the mega-advances in technology and price, it's understandable that this would be happening. If someone can't find a keyboard player willing to travel 500 miles for a few hundred bucks a gig, it's tough not to rely on technology in order to be able to do the gig and give the audience a proper show. It's a financial issue, and not from a greed standpoint, but from a "we can't do it without this" standpoint. Now national acts touring with whole backing bands under the stage for $75 a ticket shouldn't get off so easily.

Completely understandable...

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

I agree 100% (there's a first..)

Same with "fixed" live CD/DVD releases. If it isn't 100% live, I'll stick to the CD.

and a second. dead on, Tex.

BUT, it is a business and they do what they do to make the most of their product. the average fan doesn't want raw. and there are more of them than us.

[Deb]

A lot of people think Journey has over layed Perry's vocals for background. I think they are unaware that Deen sounds so much like Perry that that is where the sound comes from. Deen was a MAJOR acquisition for Journey. Not only is he only one of a handful of rock drummers who can hold a candle to Steve Smith, but he sings and is the only drummer that was ever in the band to do this.

Couldn't agree more! Talented guy. Besides he's a lot of fun to watch. I really dig watching a musician that loves what they do! Got a kick out of him on the 2001 Arrival dvd......just a smiling and bopping away back there, just lovin' life.

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

A lot of people think Journey has over layed Perry's vocals for background. I think they are unaware that Deen sounds so much like Perry that that is where the sound comes from. Deen was a MAJOR acquisition for Journey. Not only is he only one of a handful of rock drummers who can hold a candle to Steve Smith, but he sings and is the only drummer that was ever in the band to do this.

Couldn't agree more! Talented guy. Besides he's a lot of fun to watch. I really dig watching a musician that loves what they do! Got a kick out of him on the 2001 Arrival dvd......just a smiling and bopping away back there, just lovin' life.

absolutely. a wonderful guy. and an amazing talent. a great hugger too. ScoopsAGirl all the way in and squeezes unmercifully.

[stevew2]

I can't stand the following after I've paid good money to see a band live...

Pre-recorded background vocals.
Pre-recorded or "midi" sequenced keys, drums, backing tracks, etc.
Lead vocalists that lip sync to a song.
Drummers that play to a click track.

Sorry, but just because the technology is there, it's becoming too wide spread. I want to see the potential screw ups, the dynamic of the tempo speeding up or slowing down, the chance for an extended jam, live vocalists singing their heart out even if they're a little off. I want a live energetic show, I don't want a pre-recorded show that goes from a-b at the click of a button.

I'm a die hard Rush fan, but even their shows are becoming a bit too much WTF? All those backing harmonies and 2nd rythm guitar are obviously added in.

Bring back the raw show! What bands touring today are 100% live? It's hard to tell anymore.....

So you wont be going to any Journey concerts either ?

[Red13JoePa]

Who in god's name sent Castronovo up on stage to shoot a dvd wearing the breakaway basketball player warmup pants and a sweatshirt?

[rayzke]

Who in god's name sent Castronovo up on stage to shoot a dvd wearing the breakaway basketball player warmup pants and a sweatshirt?

He is definitely giving guys who can dress themselves a bad rap....

[Deb]

Who in god's name sent Castronovo up on stage to shoot a dvd wearing the breakaway basketball player warmup pants and a sweatshirt?

Who cares what he's wearing, just be glad it's not the spandex era. I just love this clip, look at Deeno..........just puts a smile on your face. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbEzi5XIwo0

....and he's just a monster on La Raza del sol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1neSAEjo-9A

[sniper16]

you guys make too much out of this thing, 90 percent of touring bands use some kind of tape to enhance the sound.
def lep could not reproduce the hysteria era stuff without help.
poison had/has a keybord player on the side of the stage , singing, and triggering background vocals.
cinderella had a keyboard/bass player off stage.
this has been going on since the 70's. why do you think bands sound so good live
80 percent of bands would sound terrible if not for the help.
as for journey using perrys backing vocal, it was probably used when he was in the band, and continued on future tours, why go back and re record a backing live track that only people looking for issues would care about
you used to be able to tell , when the drummer wore headphones, now everyone has the in ear.

[sniper16]

by the way most live albums are not really live, but done live in the studio. not at a concert.
and the beatles broke up.