"You F****** Idiot!!"

[@JustJoshLTRB]

Having toured with and worked for most of the guys in Falling in Reverse at some point, I can say with extreme confidence they can all play the fuck out of their instruments and they do live. The laptops run the click and synths and also midi send midi changes to the kempers. The great advent of modern technology has availed us the opportunity to not carry heavy ass (easily breakdownable) tube amps and cabs. Gear that was hard to replicate tone venue to venue. (My back and wallet from chiro bills wishes this was available sooner) Bands and artists have been using tape forever. It's nothing new. It is in the artists discretion how they want their music to be presented. If an artists decides live that they'll forgo the choir and orchestra from their albums and just play garage band style, guess what? That is their prerogative. If the artist wants the full sound to be the live experience that's their choice as well.

[@candirenee74]

See this is good info for ppl! I’ve agreed with Ronnie from day one as I could see they are playing and they are singing live. Their music had other things in it and if I pay $ to see, I want a great sound from whomever I see. There are just some things that can’t be “played”, but enhance the performance. I’ve seen some not great live performance and man..yeah. But Falling in Reverse brings it!

[@Foghornish]

To each their own of course, but I hate Kempers with a passion. Marshall stacks with couple of pedals all the way. And none of this little fanny combo amp marlarkey either. It's rocknroll man! None of this binary numbers digital emulation bollocks. I don't care how good they sound. Fair play for keys players going digital: Hammonds, Wurlitzers, Moogs and grand pianos are a drag on tour I'm sure.

[@mikeodonnell9321]

Of course they can play well, so don't cancel the fucking gig because of a missing laptop! Explain the situation to the fans and play. So embarrassing for the band. They will never live this down. Thanks for your technology sermon.

[@JustJoshLTRB]

@@mikeodonnell9321 dumbest response I've heard.

[@brandonwright1377]

@@mikeodonnell9321 so because they can't put on the quality of show, that they gone through so much rehearsal to preform live with those things they are terrible for not wanting to put on a sub par show? Axl Rose refused to play a show because someone else got electrocuted.

[@cjlive5182]

I remember seeing Queen in 1976. During bohemian rhapsody did I expect a full orchestra and a choir singing the layered vocals? Be realistic, it’s the sum of the production that gives the experience. These tickets ain’t cheap. Entertain to the level of the ticket price. Now if the guitars aren’t plugged in or there’s lip sinking, that’s another story.

[@methanedirigible]

Yeah man - lip sinking wouldn’t go down well 🛳

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

I saw Queen in '81. Imagine my 17 year old soul being crushed when they didn't do the operatic breakdown live...lol...I was so confused and disappointed.

[@genghis_connie]

@@methanedirigible Good catch, mate!

[@j_freed]

So few bands have done so much with a few totally original radio singles. I’ve criminally neglected Queen’s album catalog because it’s so easy to listen to the hits and best of.

[@Fearzero]

Lip sinking is a danger for any Hollywood actor not getting her regular collagen injections.

[@p0esbek]

So having toured with Laptops, I can only say what we used ours for. We traveled with 4 laptops (eventually using only 3); 1 handled the actual show, so we'd run Click Tracks, Backing Tracks, and Midi triggered Guitar Pedal changes as well. We also had a laptop for the Keys player who also used his own Synth Sounds, but ran certain digital synths as well as effects through this. The main laptop had a backup laptop, which also acted as the backup laptop for our Keyboard player's laptop although as the tour progressed we slowly moved away from the laptop set up for the keyboardist entirely due to various technical hurdles. Then we had a laptop by the board which sat by our FOH Engineer, and that ran all the production stuff, so lights and Visuals. It was synced up to the main laptop on stage. We unfortunately didn't have a redundancy for this. To answer your question about connecting them, Justin; I don't know what the best way to do this these days would be, but back in 2013 we travelled with a wireless router and used Ethernet in smaller venues and Wifi where we couldn't. For us, the music we were playing had a lot going on in the background that really filled out the sound. Could we play without all that tech? Sure. None of the backing tracks were parts that we played ourselves and the only thing lacking would be a fuller sound or longer ambient sections that relied purely on tracks. We also couldn't tour with a Brass and String section or bring along a Tabla player just to play a short, vital moment in one of the songs. Some of it wasn't even on the recorded stuff, but just some extra sound design for a more cohesive live show experience for the audience just to fight that "If I wanted to hear the record, I could've popped in the CD" type thing. All in all, I guess it depends on the type of show you want to put on. I've done the pure Rock and Roll thing and it's always good fun following cues from your bandmates, hearing people make mistakes or when you could just jam in one of the more open parts. With that said, there's also something really nice about playing a show where you know what should happen beforehand, and you can clear a lot of your mental processes to really just focus on having a fun time on stage pushing your playing to the extreme and interacting with your audience. I really don't see anything wrong with either. I don't even mind if there's bits of lip syncing or faking it, like a super high note that the singer can't hit every night without damaging their voice or something like that. To me, it's just problematic when literally everything is just playback and it's all just people pretending to be playing their instruments on stage. It doesn't sit well with me to charge people money to basically have them watch people act on stage thinking they're hearing real musicianship in the flesh, but in reality, they're just listening to the CD on some nice speakers with some fancy lights.

[@paninihead6751]

Hey Justin! I haven't watched the video yet but I just wanted to thank you for bringing me joy and entertainment during these hard times when my country, Iran, is going through protests and we are being killed on the streets. Whenever it becomes hard to carry on I come here and watch some of your videos to feel better and move on. Thank you. #MahsaAmini

[@paninihead6751]

came to see if you have any videos on Rammstein and noticed you uploaded this 2 mins ago. decided to use the opportunity ❤

[@artysanmobile]

Millions of Americans stand with Iran’s women and their supporters in the fight against a brutal and clueless theocracy. Stay strong and safe bringing your great nation back from the brink.

[@beemelonhead1]

Prayers to you, your family, and friends during these rough times. I can't even imagine. God bless 🙏 ✌ ❤

[@moonbeanification]

Blessings to you Paninihead, and all your family and loved ones. I can't imagine what you're going through. My heart goes out to you ♥

[@paninihead6751]

@@artysanmobile Thank you dear Peter. Nothing warms our hearts more than these mentions of support. every single one means the world to us. ❤

[@wsljr2042]

Falling in Reverse does a hell of a production. The laptop would be essential to the type of show they put on.

[@nategrady]

Totally nailed this Justin, I've toured in an opening band along with Falling in Reverse, and had no idea who they were and at first didn't get their style. But they're the real deal I feel I'm more like you in the way I think music should be performed or conveyed. These guys are very professional and very good at what they do, and take it very serious. Most important aspect of the laptop is the drummers in ears, the entire set is mapped out for the drummer to set the stage. Every start, stop, tempo, break he has to control the flow. Other things like light show triggers mapped directly to wav files on protools synthesizer layered harmonies. Ronnie can perform his ass off, but he can't sing 3 harmonies at once to create the best experience possible for the fans.

[@Hoganply]

This.

[@rachaelxcolleen]

Not only that but Ronnie has a few songs with full orchestral arrangement. It’d be silly to drag an entire orchestra with them on tour so why not have it recorded? The old ass uppity dudes need to square with reality and the evolution of music and performance. I mean, look at Billie Eilish and Finneas. They’ve added the most random sounds they’ve found around the world and layered them into the songs. One example is a sound of a crosswalk signal in freakin Australia. That can literally only be added via a laptop. Are these assholes going to bitch about her too? 🙄

[@CyberneticArgumentCreator]

Piping in vocals reduces all the rest of the effort you put in down to karaoke.

[@Place_to_keep_videos]

They most likely had an Ableton system that is programmed to perform midi changes all across the stage. Preprogrammed effects changes for the guitars, triggers for the drums and cinematics and lighting all programmed to a setlist in Ableton. This would not be easily replaced, as just the setup would take a week or so to work out. That being said, they could have played a stripped down performance and everyone would have had fun. Top flight acts use alot of technology these days to make their shows larger than life. One should endorse this course of ambition.

[@TaylorJohnHardin]

Sounds hard to Cloud all that!

[@armondtanz]

Maybe a lot of it is leaning towards alt sounds fx, strings, arp synths. Could have songs which have regiment click tracks, samples getting triggered. We were in a rock/electro band and we played to backing track. Just had tonnes of electro stuff on. If we got rid of backing tracks 50% of the songs would sounds empty and cringe because it was usually a lof of airy-spacey sounding samples which were very present in the verses.

[@quistunes]

You can store all that on a cloud, but you'd have to go through a whole relicensing process for it to work. Maybe you could get it up and running in a day or 2, but it would be super risky. Ableton can also be used just to run keyboard plug-ins & FX. It's not just for loops & backing trax, but those are sure fun too. I love Ableton Live.

[@emsedgwick9521]

Absolutely Agreed! Helps keep them Sounding like "Them." I think all the "Lip sync, and All that," is Rubbish

[@Place_to_keep_videos]

@@quistunes - So stressful from a hotel room with shit wifi, for sure. I agree with your assertions.

[@ThatOtherRaccoon]

Hi Justin, unrelated thing here, but in yesterday’s video on “Body Paint”, you asked who arranged the strings. I did a little digging and it was Bridget Samuels who arranged strings on it and on Mirrorball as well.

[@americanbigelow]

I'm just finding this video. Thanks, by the way! I'm in my 50's and I play in a band that doesn't use backing tracks. However... I've played festivals where the headliners are running tracks and are all MIDI'd up so they don't have to step on pedals and I will admit It makes for a great show. I'll also offer up that any band that is used to working this way probably could play without it with a day of rehearsal. But... When your whole lighting sequence, backing tracks, pedalboard changes, mix automation (Potentially), and who knows what else is bound to an invaluable device that is suddenly missing... That does seem insurmountable in the short term. I agree that the lack of redundancy is questionable. It seems like these machines would be in a safe or something. Thanks again for the video.

[@DMDvideo10]

I had a band that used some backing tracks. Mainly keys, sometimes female backing vocals (still with us males also singing live), occasional second guitar or harmony guitar part, sax, etc. It allowed our 3-piece band to extend our sound and it worked for 11 of the 15 years I had the band. About 1/3 to 1/2 the setlist used track, the rest were 3 piece. We could play songs that required 5 or 6 pieces without having to pay for more players or deal with more personalities... I say as long as the meat and potatoes of your show is live, a little bit of color is quite alright!

[@mattcubed9658]

@I Just Wanna Talk About Games Oh and you're saying you are?

[@necropink9200]

I'm not a fan of Falling In Reverse but from what I've heard by them they do incorporate electronic effects within their music. So a laptop doesn't necessarily mean it's used for backing tracks.

[@sp0ngeb00b7]

Their music isn’t wholly rock or metal, their current sound is that modern kind of trap metal and I believe they’ve just released a whole album like that so there’ll be full sections of songs that could only be covered by a keys player that they don’t have and a synthesised drum set. You can replicate that with chords and acoustic drums sure but it does ruin the experience for fans who are getting less than those who paid for the same the night before. Not just that, but the laptops won’t just be critical for sound purposes but also are usually in charge of lighting cues, pyro and the whole video show (which for a band very heavy on aesthetics, is quite important). Not to mention I’ve just learned many bands now have their tone settings programmed into their laptops now instead of having pedalboards.

[@Σταμοςβαλης]

@@sp0ngeb00b7 They didnt release any album with section of songs that u mentioned. They have released 2 singles in 2022 and they sound nothing like trap metal lol

[@ejune0381]

​@@sp0ngeb00b7 I think you have falling in reverse confused with motionless in white or something. fir havent released an album in a hot minute.

[@MrDirtydaves]

More bands use backing tracks than anyone wants to admit. Personally I don’t have a lot of respect for a band that can’t make their music without a computer. If you needs keys, hire a keyboard player.

[@a1rabidfox341]

@@MrDirtydaves i don’t think you’re understanding how bands write music these days. People listen to hip hop or rap and it’s from a lap top the bands are still playing instruments and create the beats and back tracks that elevate what they’re playing. Yeah they can hire and orchestra or what ever but why? It’s not like they’re air playing instruments and not singing. It’s just background music in the same key of what they’re playing live and it makes for a hell of a Show on top of controlling plug in changes and lights and the clock. Its like they can strip it down but then the songs that have rap beats they wouldn’t be able to do and it wouldn’t be the song. It just tells me you don’t write or play music.

[@ipcriss]

Having watched a few FIR videos after watching this, I can see where additional production assistance might be required. Pretty technical stuff, and I can only imagine what a live set might entail. So long as those playing live instruments are actually playing their respective parts, who cares if there's embellishments of a digital nature. They want to put on a show their way and the people paying to see it know what they're getting.

[@abbyhuntley3171]

Your ability to stay neutral in videos like this is truly admirable

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Relentlessly on the fence.

[@ChrisPage68]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain Careful of splinters, my man. 😉 💜

[@abbyhuntley3171]

Ffs *your

[@bedroomarcade3160]

he is diplomatically straddling the fence he still plays live he completely defended the young kid bach wont be able to help justin its just disingenuous future planning

[@sah-win]

He must. He lives in Switzerland, haha!

[@wesleymitchell434]

I've used an amp modeler on an iPad on stage to really change up the sound of my rig, and to eliminate the possibility of bad sound engineers at shitty venues (which I played nearly exclusively at). When you're at a backyard birthday party rocking out with people knocking mics over, it's nice to have control over your sound.

[@Hanzey1966]

@@milomullins553 Ha ha ha ha And the Soda Machine Runs FULL Speed Cooling ! ! ON / OFF . . . .

[@amosanon3274]

My daughter dragged me to a falling in reverse concert. All I have to say is this dude knows how to command attention. He was like mic jagger on bath salts. Fascinating and really entertaining. I'll go the Justin Hawkins route and leave it at that.

[@colinriddle8889]

Ronnie is an absolute psycho and honestly I'm not sure how he's still working. NGL the dude should still be in jail.

[@christinescott5002]

Lucky for my daughter and me, we go to Darkness concerts!

[@ahippy8972]

Who on earth are falling in reverse? Why do musicians use laptops? Dam teach your kids music theory instead

[@ahippy8972]

Go analog! No need for musicians to use computers

[@ahippy8972]

Paul hard castle was terrible

[@thetroubledmonk]

It's almost unnerving when you see an argument presented with such maturity and respect these days. Usually, someone picks a side and proceeds to go great white on the other. There may still be some hope for the online world yet. Well, all class Justin, as expected. Nice video man.

[@brigwood7658]

Sorry, I have to respectfully disagree. Sometimes there is a right and wrong, or one side is just being overwhelmingly bigoted. If they can't play without lap-tops, then it's because they're part of the band, samples etc an integral part of their sound; no diff than if guitars/drums went missing or whatever. I mean, how far do we have to go back; Eurhythmics? New order? even rock bands i.e. nine inch nails, the whole industrial metal thing. 'Old rockers need to get an effn life. There are other styles of music than 'raw guitar rock' (beggars belief).

[@julesschulte9293]

Go great white on each other 😂😂😂 love that 🦈😂

[@thetroubledmonk]

@@brigwood7658 you aren't wrong. I respectfully appreciate your response.

[@revwillyg6450]

Scammer☝️ not Justin

[@thetroubledmonk]

@@revwillyg6450 so many scammers giving away free shit. It must work or they wouldn't keep trying. Just sad.

[@DavidJackson]

You hit the nail on the head. I'm a fan of bands that create the sounds I hear, but on the other side, anything that is important on a computer needs more than one backup. If you have both of your backups in the same location (your house) and it burns down, you've lost two copies- brilliant. You need to have one copy in the cloud. As someone who speaks about podcasting all over the country, I have slides on my laptop, and old USB stick, and everything I need in the cloud.

[@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax]

Please read my comment above and see if what I say is true. Thanks!

[@SanDimas234]

Yeah, I'm not utterly convinced this is the real reason for them to cancel the shows.

[@Superabound2]

I don't don't understand how people even AVOID having backups in the cloud these days. Every goddamn thing i own tries to backup to the cloud. I have to specifically tell all of it NOT to

[@michellebrown7714]

lol having back up on the cloud is great...if youre only dealing with maybe an hour or two of work fixing it if it goes down. however that changes when you have 200+ HOURS of backup to deal with to fix the problem and only a few days to get it done. its better to cancel the show and do the fix properly

[@SLiMCHiCKeN5150]

I'm 49 and discovered you at Wembley singing with Wolfgang and you blew my fu*%ing mind. Did you sell your soul to be able to hit those highs?! Incredible dude!! You've gained another fan, don't worry I'm not an ass*$le 🤟 I agree 99%

[@marcelosebastian333]

We all know he sold his soul...indeed 🤭

[@Elvenboadicea]

How does one go about selling their soul? Asking for a friend..

[@ericbuzzard2041]

​@@Elvenboadiceasomething about a crossroads in Mississippi at midnight. Although im sure there's other ways to do it.

[@PeteEllson5656]

​@@ElvenboadiceaLOL! Good one.

[@Ravelle17]

Devin Townsend is my favorite musician and he used pre-recorded tracks to fill out his live sound for many years, but the best I ever saw him play and sound was when he dropped them in favor of a larger band on the Empath tour just before COVID. They spent the tour budget on musicians, crew, and sound instead of lighting or props and it was so worth it.

[@5732noel]

Live sound! 🤣🤣🤣

[@slickstrings]

Given devvys wall of sound techniques and the backing synths that would be entirely required. He has an extremely unique sound

[@KissMyFatAxe]

I saw him for the first time on the same tour in Dec 2019, right before COVID. It has to be said that it was the best live sound I've ever heard. He fucking nailed it!

[@gringochucha]

I've seen Devin like 5 times over the years and I always thought the band sounded lifeless because of the backing tracks and the click. As you say, the Empath tour was completely different. It was an amazing concert. Musicians actually listening to each other and finding a common tempo and sound in the moment creates something far more magical than everyone listening to a metronome and backing tracks in their ears.

[@TheSmashingDragon]

Only time I saw him was when he was playing by himself acoustic and it was fucking amazing

[@chili_phil]

I absolutely love it when you go off track (pun intended) slightly and start talking about other related things like Paul Hardcastle watching grumble whilst he plays keyboards. Never change Justin! You god damn rule!

[@Eric_Hunt194]

"grumble" 🤣🤣🤣 Now there's a term that needs bringing back! Though I dread to think about how pixellated that would be on a mid-80s computer...

[@chili_phil]

@@Eric_Hunt194 I will never forget my cousin years ago asking, got any grumble mags?

[@LowEndLobster]

Hi Justin. I enjoy your videos so much. Thank you for making these. I am stuck in a foreign land quarantining with COVID for some days, and watching your videos makes me feel less lonely and sad. You rock!

[@TankTheTech]

Your ability to stay neutral on a topic like this is super awesome, and really refreshing to see! I will say, as someone who has been a roadie and teching for bands their entire adult life, I absolutely agree with Ronnie's side of the argument on this one. Backing Tracks are common in about 90% of all touring bands nowadays, and over the years, I've seen bands that were super against using tracks switch to using them because it helps out their show. You can midi program so much stuff which can help with lighting cues, effects changes, and even the "tracks" part which is adding in studio parts that may not be able to be pulled off live due to lack of members. I think the big disconnect here is that some people hear "backing tracks" and automatically think people are lip syncing and faking their playing, which is not happening at all. Ronnie's band (Falling In Reverse) is LOADED with insanely good musicians that don't need to rely on backing tracks to play their actual parts. I saw them live recently and can confirm that there were no vocal tracks, and the tracks were mostly just for 808 beats, synths, and stuff like that. I think the big question here is if your main and spare laptops were missing, why did nobody have backups of all the files on hard drives, or even cloud? Every tour I've ever been on had someone that carried backups on hard drives in case something like this ever happened.

[@greylocke100]

This makes me wonder if one of the laptops was the one with the necessary credentials for the cloud storage (If they had any) was stored on.

[@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax]

cLOUD IS NO GOOD IF YOU END UP SELLING YOUR COMPUTERS BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO OLD AND YOU NEED TO UPDATE THEM. PEOPLE WON'T BY YOUR OLD COMPUTER IF IT HAS CLOUD, ESPECIALLY IF YOU SELL THEM TO COMPNAIES THAT SPECIALIZE IN BUYING USED COMPUTERS FOR REFURBISHMENT. i THINK IT'S BECAUSE THOSE WHO BUY THOSE LAPTOPS TO BE REFURBISHED CAN'T ACCESS SOME ELEMENTS OF THE COMPUTERS BECAUSE OF SOME SORT OF LOCK THAT BEING IN CLOUD HAS. DON'T KNOW FOR SURE IF IT'S ALL TRUE BUT IT MAKE SENSE. (PS. Sorry about the capitals. Didn't notice till after I typed it all out LOL)

[@rogerforsman5064]

@@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax Just reboot to factory settings and the computer is good to go! The computer don't care about the cloud! It's just a storage space.

[@candirenee74]

@@greylocke100 great point.

[@candirenee74]

@@greylocke100 maybe have 3 laptops. And have one separate from the rest and treated like gold on the plane or bus.

[@sarl2121]

Legend has it that Imelda Marcos is in awe at the size of Justin Hawkins' wardrobe.

[@jerm2011]

Lol

[@blackflowers5996]

imelda marcos magnanakaw

[@dewimatthews6037]

She's 93 i doubt she gives a fuck.

[@imferal273]

Wow, how old school was this reference? It was a good one tho.😅

[@carstenschaefer8191]

How f'n brilliant, Justin! A wonderfully informative AND amusing column by one of my favourite singers from one of my favourite bands! I only just discovered this - and I'm blown away. Your tongue-in-cheekness is so entertaining. Still, there's facts, little anecdotes...it's the total package. As for the content. No problem using backing tapes (i.e. laptops) for effects, intro and outro music, etc. However, IF laptops are used to play the instrument or vocals parts and people on stage just miming (Madonna is said to be one of the main proponents of that) that would be absolutely intolerable. I want to see a true live band - warts'n'all. If absolutely NO effects must be used then The Who would just be a mime band for their use of pre-recorded synth tapes on "Baba O'Riley" and "Won't Get Fooled Again". And I don't think ANYONE would ever lay that claim on them...

[@otomostubeofficial2697]

I think a big part of this is that the performance isn't just some guys getting together and having a jam. It's a carefully calculated performance designed to be the same night after night. Would people shit on Rammstein or Cirque Du Soleil if they lost the key to enabling their backline? There's so many variables in the production to consider and to be able to control them with the ease of a MIDI trigger is very important. Lighting, tones, backing tracks, click tracks, samples is all carried by the aid of a laptop. I really don't get it.

[@mruk_exe]

I agree. It all depends on the show. If it's a jazz of bluesrock type of thing not too much digital technology is required. You get away just jamming on stage. But if it's a more modern type of music with elaborate production - laptops will be used (or a player with digital functionality). Also - laptops could lower the cost of production, because programming the lights and animations is way cheaper than hiring people to do it live. So in short - IT ALL DEPENDS!

[@GypsyDanger514]

I mean I can’t argue with you. If I went and bought a kiss ticket, and they end coming out with no makeup, no flash bangs, no stage, and with acoustics, I’d be a little pissed as a fan. I came to see the kiss we all know. I say instead of issuing refunds, honor the tickets later on down the road.

[@brianswayze7667]

Rammstein's one major rule is if they aren't allowed fire there will be no show

[@scotabot7826]

Yes, the big variable is, if you don't have much natural talent, then you better have computers to carry you!!!

[@otomostubeofficial2697]

@@scotabot7826 it shouldn't be a bad thing that they want to focus on audience engagement and not their pedal boards all night. Also if you read the comment it's not just guitarists using laptops. The lightning guy and sound guy probably do. There's the samples to consider. Ronnie has like 8 part layered vocals so those to consider. It's not just "plug n play" like everyone thinks it is

[@saberreiter8569]

Backing tracks are 100% acceptable for me, as long as they only supply the additional parts, like synths, soundeffects etc. and the band still plays their parts. It's a lot different from playing full playback. In my opinion it oftentimes enhances the show. Not every band needs it, of course (like a pure rock band that only has guitars, drums, bass and vocals for example).

[@SamandRie]

im not a fir fan, but if you listen to their music especially their latest stuff, it becomes very obvious why they need a laptop. their music isn't just guitar drums bass and vocals. they have synths, effects, 808s, and other shit that would require them to have a laptop run that stuff. whether they have a guy triggering the midi or whatever, they need the laptop regardless.

[@djr_drums]

Thanks for being objective and understanding to both sides. Love your work, Justin.

[@CristianKirk]

In my mind this is pretty simple. Using backing tracks with pre-recorded elements for live performances (apart from the more obvious audio/lights digital control) is just fine. Now, when you're a music band and know how dependent you're on them for live shows, you have to make extra extra sure that you'll always gonna have them with you. If you lose a guitar, a cymbal, even an amp, there's likely a chance to replace them, borrowing them, buying them, etc. If you lose your backing tracks, you're done. Bands that haven't thought about this scenario, really need to start thinking about it. And in most cases, we're talking about data that can easily be carried on a flash drive or stored on a cloud service.

[@birdiedog5]

I just think if we have a band, and they lose their backing tracks, and that prevents them playing any live music at all for their fans....how good is the band? I think a good band should be able to put on a decent show even if they lose the prerecorded stuff. It won't be the same show they intended, but if they'd rather not do a show at all when their fans have come...feels insecure. All those unplugged gigs in the 90s were damn good, it could be an opportunity to do something different and that could wind up being special.

[@Angelrat666]

@@birdiedog5 There once was a band called Hollenthon from Austria. Mixture between Black, Death Metal and with classic orchestra parts. The orchestra was of course backing tracks. At an open air concert, the backing tracks didn't work. And guess what. They still played and the show was awesome. If you can't play your own songs without fucking backingtracks, either your band is shit or your songs.

[@SRMoore1178]

@@birdiedog5 If Depeche Mode, Stabbing Westward, Killing Joke, or even Linkin Park lost their backing tracks, these great bands would be putting on some pretty crappy shows. Oh yeah, and NIN or any other '90s industrial electronic band.

[@Dwendele]

@@SRMoore1178 crappy, maybe. But I feel like most, if not all of those bands would have at least made the effort to put on some kind of show. As a fan, I'd MUCH rather have an acoustic show than have the band say, oh well... Fuck it, we can't play. Hmm.... We can't play... EXACTLY.

[@dryseason]

I just watched a live performance of theirs and they have sequenced keys, sfx, voice overs, and extra backing vox for the faithful reproduction of their album. I’m guessing they also have some drum loops for the 808 sound used in rap sections. They don’t appear to tour with a kb player and definitely have TWO laptops stage side so they’ve rehearsed to that standard. It would be extremely hard to cover all that change to performance quality in so little time. That being said: THE CLOUD, BOYS… THE CLOUD

[@TrayXCooper]

Backing tracks as long as each member is doing their part live are not really much different than adding pyro, smoke, confetti, lighting. It adds to the show

[@gringochucha]

Backing tracks force bands to play the songs in exactly the same way with the same tempo every single time. I prefer the songs to have a more organic feel when they come out the way they do in the moment.

[@TrayXCooper]

@@gringochucha you do realize the tracks aren't timed all the tine They add it to the song when its time for it. It still allows the band to do it in the tempo they want. The individual sounds can be added in whenever the part comes up. If it was all timed then if they started the song just a tad late it wouldn't work. So its added whenever it comes up.

[@trashmanzero7827]

@@TrayXCooper honest question, how would that work?. My understanding is that each song is set to a tempo (metronome) that the drummer follows, so then if there is a bridge or something with a pre recorded orchestral part, it would kick in on that same tempo? How could you change that, if the tempo and changes are pre-programmed?

[@muskiet8687]

@@trashmanzero7827 As I understand it, the "metronome" that the drummer often uses is actually a backing track with click sounds and voice prompts (hence most musicians play with headphones or ear buds) that is synched to whatever backing tracks fans will actually hear.

[@TheWentzMachine]

@@muskiet8687 Most musicians at the level being discussed have IEMs, small difference really but it's a generally more integrated suite of technology than just slapping in some earbuds.

[@candirenee74]

I also loved how you laughed and giggled at Ronnie’s tweets. They are hilarious 😂 I grew up with Bach and am REALLY disappointed in him over this.

[@kiriwood]

To be fair Sebastian is just being Sebastian. He has always waded into issues with a loud opinion, backed himself into a corner, doubled down then had to apologise or try to justify himself later - which he always does in the most endearing way. The guy is a vocal and performing legend, but he just can't help himself!

[@igorjajic]

@@kiriwood YET HE IS RIGHT ON THIS....NO LIVE NO REALL ROCKAND ROLL,..CALL IT ELECTRO ROLL THEN

[@donnakurtz9293]

Yes... my opinion of you (and really of Ronnie too) was boosted by the silly meems ... love his and your sense of humor. Thankfully I have not been too familiar with Sebastian Back but it seems that many have looked up to him and he was a huge deal in his day especially... sounded like Ronnie eve was disappointed in it. The easter egg in Watch the World Burn about the whole lap top thing is hilarious too. Hate it to be at this guys expense but sheesh.. he basically called him out to fight.

[@spod32827]

Except he’s right!

[@Schatje79]

@@igorjajic Bach is a moron and totally out of touch. Just stop.

[@ChampaAinjel]

I'm very happy that you're here, Justin. You're a delight to listen to whether singing or speaking.

[@TrayXCooper]

Ronnie is far in the right. With technology we have today we are able to add so much to music in studio we couldn't before to add a extra boost with layers and music to sound even more full and some sounds can't be done live. Like when u are doing different vocal layers at different octaves. 1 person can't sing 2 things at once lol. So using backing tracks makes the track sound like it does on recording and the main stuff is done live and the tracks just add the layers enhance it as a whole. Ronnie still sings live, the guitar player plays live, the bass player plays live, the drummer plays live. They play the damn song live. Its just backing sound effects and computer generated sound u can't do on a guitar or bass ALSO the pedals, amps, lights, megatrons/backdrops, sound is all done via laptops these days. Its called production. Its like adding pyro, lighting, smoke machines, confetti and all that to the show and may I add those all are controlled by laptops as well now 😀 IT ADDS TO THE EXPERIENCE AND SHOW

[@michellebrown7714]

THIS!

[@RiniDiamandis]

so true zestie!!

[@a.azazagoth5413]

If you can’t play a set without the technology sour not a performer and are using it as a crutch. It’s no longer an enhanced of the purpose with the melody of the song. They are a fucking rock band that can’t play without laptops. That pathetic.

[@TrayXCooper]

@@a.azazagoth5413 you don't even know what laptops are even for do u lmao. Bruh the guitar player plays the guitar LiVE Bass player plays LIVE! Drummer plays LIVE Vocalist sings LIVE. Ive seen these guys live. Laptops program the lighting, amp settings, and the tracks they use are electronic sounds they have in their songs that were not made from the instruments you idiot. Listen to the first few seconds of the song Popular Monster by Falling in Reverse..... that instrumental bit is a example of a track they use cuz its a electronic computer generated beat. Not done by the instruments. Also laptops switch up the guitar tones from the amps and all that. If u think using a laptop means it playing the song for the band and makes everyone up their lipsync and fake the playing then u r a complete idiot also just about every concert u have gone to has used laptops. Falling in Reverse plays live. If you listened to their recent music u would know what parts of the song the laptops add to it cuz its they add alot of effects in their studio music and the laptops do the switch ups for the sounds they play LIVE! you clearly have no idea how music is performed and I do. I'm a musician myself and know this stuff. Also the guy who called them out used Aerosmith as a example of a band who doesn't use laptops. But here is the thing Aerosmith does use laptops lmao. Every band uses them these days. A laptop is different than the song playing in the background instead of being done live. Laptops do ALOT. This isn't about using vocal tracks. This is about laptops...... And also when it does to vocal tracks. If the singer does layered vocals as in like recording his voice over multiple times in layers of octaves for a harmony effect. Explain how a singing can sing multiple things at once. Its not possible and that's when vocal tracks are used so the vocalist does the main vocal live and the other layered parts are played so it sounds like the fucking song fans know and love. Tracks are used for bits that are not possible to do live such as multiple layered harmonized vocals u idiot I'll make it even more simple. If a band has a song that uses more than 2 guitars, drums and a vocalist thats where tracks come in Example. If a song uses a fucking orchestra but the band doesn't have the orchestra on stage then they will use the track of the orchestra on top of the live playing so the song sounds right..... Playing live the band can only do so much and in studio u can add as much as u want. Tracks are used when a song uses more layers than the band can play at once live. A person can't play or sing 3 things at once. So the band plays live but the remaining parts that the band is unable to do cuz they are already playing something is added with tracks. I don't know how the hell u don't understand that

[@michellebrown7714]

@@a.azazagoth5413 oh really? do you realize their lights are also controlled by their laptop? and their pedals, and their amps? do you even realize how much of every show by EVERY band (yes even sebastion bach does it though he pretends he doesnt, which is absolute bullshit) is run through a laptop?

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

I recently played a gig where I was the only act who didn't use prerecorded backing tracks. Not because I have anything against the idea, but because this is just the way I've always done it. It did get me thinking that maybe I could start looking into running tracks for solo gigs to fill out the sound a bit, but then I felt I'd lose more than I'd gain. I like to be able to change things on the fly. If a song isn't going down as well as I'd hoped, I can cut a verse and move on to something else rather than having to go through an entire song that the crowd isn't really into. That's just how I work on stage, I don't like things being too preplanned or prepared. So in the end, I decided that I'm going to keep doing things the way I do them purely for those reasons. However, I do have admiration for the acts that night who were using tracks, especially Sink Hole City who played 3 instruments live on his own while the rest of his "band" was a file on a laptop. As long as people aren't just miming, then I'd say it's still a live performance, just one that's been enhanced by prerecorded material. I think the bigger issue is when bands like KISS can't hack it anymore so they do just mime to a recording rather than actually playing live. I'd feel cheated if I paid to see a band do that, but not if they were just running tracks. A lot of bands have had their little tricks to enhance their sound live before anyway from additional vocalists and musicians playing backstage to fill out the sound to using tapes.

[@stevent7944]

What a great episode Justin. You had me laughing a lot. Keep up the good work buddy. Love from Seatlle, Wa. USA

[@adamseccombe3806]

I must say I've never gotten into the darkness in the past...I respected you but not in my circle but now seeing who you are I'm a huge fan...bless you good sir

[@darlenerogers]

I think that although laptops are invaluable to producing what the band considers to be a "worthwhile" live event...I also think that they should also be able to play a live show without them. As a huge music fan I would rather just see them perform live period and I feel that cancelling the show(s) is a little extreme

[@revwillyg6450]

Scammer☝️not Justin

[@darlenerogers]

@@revwillyg6450 thanks for the head's up! I figured it wasn't him 🙂

[@Marklar3]

Being able to play live without a click is a skill that takes a lot of practice as a group. And since they're probably playing large venues, they would only be able to hear each other through in-ear monitors, making playing together even more difficult. For this band in particular it would be a problem, because from what I've heard, a lot of sections in their music are just electronics and vocals. They would need to totally rearrange those parts. It's a lot of work for a situation that they would never expect to happen. I think the stylistic aspect of this debate is probably more important than the skill of the band or whether they've been skipping their homework. Logistically, it just makes sense to commit fully to either with or without laptops.

[@bradleyamick]

Some of Falling in Reverse's songs are straight up Hip Hop. The guitar players aren't reproducing a version of a hip hop song with drop tuned metal distorted guitars (especially without some sort of rehearsal). Imagine Dr Dre and Snoop's DJ/playback fails... there's no way a metal band is reproducing the sound of the strings/orchestras sounds with metal guitars (unrehearsed on the fly)

[@Marklar3]

@@bradleyamick My metal band used to play a few arrangements of hip hop songs in a metal style. It works better than you might think. Unfortunately we lost all the recordings we had. I wouldn't expect them to do it unrehearsed, but it would be a neat thing to have in their back pocket. Fans who know their songs might be disappointed that it doesn't sound like the record, but there would definitely be people pumped to hear the songs they know in a different way.

[@james_d_eaton]

I have come to love your channel Justin. Been listening to the Darkness since your first album, and this format is awesome for an old school music guy like me. Keep up the awesome work.

[@DeleriousOdyssey]

Is that who this is? The lead singer of Darkness???? Awesome!

[@james_d_eaton]

@@DeleriousOdyssey yes sir, he is, and they are awesome.

[@graysonberryproductions512]

I remember watching Trent Reznor walk out center stage with his Mac laptop to begin the NIN set on the Soundgarden tour several years ago. Though more of a SG fan, I had been listening to NIN since the late 80’s, and had enjoyed a resurgent rediscovery with my younger cousins now listening to their more recent albums. NIN had/has brilliant touring musicians, and though Reznor would probably have followed suit in ‘packing it in,’ due to a misplaced laptop (it is a meticulously produced multi-media event), I’m on the side of the fans who would want to hear the band ‘stripped down,’ as it were. I would much prefer the band to simply ‘embrace’ their error, and tell the crowd: ‘well it will be what it will be folks.’

[@19c1071]

I vote for live guitar, bass, drums and vocals, running lights and special effects are fine. Thats what is great about seeing a band live to me, its not always the same as the album. its Live! 🎸🎤

[@stevedamien638]

People like us are dying,,

[@HandmadeDarcy]

I'm with you, but we oldies mustn't forget that every live band we've loved, from pub to stadium, will have had someone at some kind of mixer, if only to balance the mix for the room - that is often done through a computer, now. Nevertheless, I suspect a festival would have had a board and an engineer available, so it does seem that that was not the issue.

[@cheechdubinsky6709]

Under 35 ppl, have never heard real non-digital (clipped) music

[@spees342]

Some bands still play live, I've recently started playing with 3 very close friends, we play everything live but we also use a laptop to run extra guitar tracks and some cool samples in songs, for example, we have some synth tracks and ambience that really brings in a whole new layer to the sound and fattens it out because we have one guitarist right now, given that if we had a second we would probably just use it for a click track and the synth stuff I still feel like you can play live and still use digital aspects. Personally I don't want to just bring in another guitarist too as we are all really close and vibe off each other and we know musically what we want to do. Adding a stranger to that mix is uncomfortable, so in our eyes, having the added support of backing is absolutely fine, it's still good fun to play

[@kevinmorrice]

ah, snobby purists, i used to be like you, but then i woke up

[@bridgetpollock6760]

When Justin said "FireWire" my heart skipped a beat.

[@negativeland5207]

Just came here to say the same lmaoo

[@ToyLatrine]

Yes!

[@wendyvono6050]

"Potatoes" did it for me😁🥰

[@schmodedo]

I had a flashback to 2000. It was great for connecting my Sony Mini DV camcorder to my Compaq Presario to do some editing. Ah, the good ole days when digital video was 480p, recorded on tape and transferred with bulky expensive cables to gigantic tower pc's with a fraction of the processing power of modern cell phones. Things were so much simpler back then.😉

[@KarlafromOZ]

He's just sexy all round.

[@gunjin4145]

I've been listening to your videos for awhile now. Just literally figured out your the guy who sang for the Darkness. You are legendary sir! I too, believe in a thing called love. ❤

[@eily_b]

Well, you are definitely not living your life in the fast lane...

[@choppernick]

As you say Justin - laptops can be used in such a varied way now. Nine Inch Nails used MainStage for a long time...and the computers were just sending out MIDI signals for sound changes for guitars and keyboards etc. Also, people do use them for visuals (as you mentioned) and of course backing track elements (which I guess is the thing some people frown upon) In any of these scenarios most bands will bring spares that are connected to each other so that if one goes down the other immediately takes over and does it's job seamlessly without loss of audio etc. Personally, I think people should be able to build a show around whatever platform suits them...but ultimately, it isn't cool if what is on track outweighs the live element of a proper gig. The bottom lines is though..if your show is dependant on a laptop there should be a backup plan if laptops break/go missing/get stolen. You'd have thought there would be 15 cloned hard drives with the whole show on or cloud backups that they could copy onto new laptops etc so the show can go ahead.

[@totallykoolyeah]

NIN were big phonies back in the day.. helps when you're destroying equipment on stage

[@meteorman6167]

I was just at an Iron Maiden concert and their sound engineers had multiple laptops. It a great way to have the sounds for many songs pre-mixed, such as the bass being louder in one song or the snare drums more quiet in another. Yea bands back in the day had the old school mixing boards but those aren’t used that much anymore. The mix boards are on the computers now. Lighting and other theatrical elements are also saved on laptops. We don’t live in the 1970s anymore.

[@seanharrington9589]

Mixing boards are digitally pre programmed and will correct themselves without a computer

[@jamesrudd8705]

Would Iron Maiden cancel a show without these laptops? Nope. Why? Because they actually have the talent to perform live. This other clown band clearly doesn't.

[@mutate34]

@@jamesrudd8705 Maiden are one of my favourite bands and I think they're insanely talented, and I can't speak for them, but I'm pretty sure they'd have to cancel a big concert if they didn't have access to their sound engineering. Their amazing playing wouldn't help if the crowd can't hear it properly.

[@jamesrudd8705]

@@mutate34 But that isn't the problem here. The problem is these other guys suck.

[@michaelhunziker7287]

Well then don't bitch when they fail or are stolen

[@theoriginalmomomike2869]

Justin Hawkins is an insanely talented musician and vocalist. The Darkness is severely underrated.

[@QuestionableQueefs]

Thank you for making me realize this was that Justin lol

[@MR.PRESIDENTOFFICIAL]

@@QuestionableQueefs the high voice puts me wayyy off

[@QuestionableQueefs]

@@MR.PRESIDENTOFFICIAL it’s a talent I’ll give him that lol

[@MR.PRESIDENTOFFICIAL]

@@QuestionableQueefs is there any songs where he doesnt do it? the music is awesome but justin ruins it

[@joerobinson2538]

I’m old school too but from what I understand-the only way some of these young bands can even afford to tour these days is to run the entire show on a laptop--saves a lighting engineer and since vocal effects can be programmed and changed at any moment, vocal effects can be implemented and changed at any time so they don’t have to rely on their own sound guy -familiar with the band to do these changes. They can simply farm out the PA and soundman city to city while still retaining their sound. That’s 2 peoples pay eliminated right there. The laptops also do program and effects changes on the fancy modelers most of these bands are using freeing them up to not have to tap dance on pedals. This may eliminate instrument roadies too since there isn’t much to go wrong signal wise. I think many change their own strings too. And since the drummer has to play to a click --to keep in sync with everything--tempos and show run times are consistent night to night. So yeah I get it--why they simply couldn’t “wing” it. Justin, the only reason why downloading the show from “the cloud” maybe wasn’t an option is that a newly bought or rented laptop probably has to be loaded with additional software and drivers to allow the DAW system to operate properly--time and logistics probably made that not a viable idea. Love your channel and love your singing and guitar skills!

[@Cdeezntz301]

Nailed it! I am in a two piece band that plays backing tracks through FOH. We control all aspects of our live show through laptop and rack system. When we play outside of our home city it costs a lot of money with a full band. With the two of us, we can fit everything in a small suv. Unfortunately there is not much money in music anymore and we opted to keep costs down.

[@_arfarf_x]

best comment in this thread

[@nathanrisley430]

Love the videos. I have never been strongly in one camp or another but I think I have had some snarky thought on backing tracks. Then I got into Electric Callboy who use a LOT of backing tracks live as to bring the songs to the stage as closely as possible while allowing the band to put on an extraordinary show. Sure, they could hire a half dozen extra musicians to fill in the blanks, but you already discussed the difficulties of touring as it is. On top of that, the shows have many lighting, pyro, etc that is triggered by midi. Is the show on rails a bit? Absolutely. But it is not the musician ship on stage or the perfect emulation of the album tracks to be produced by humans on stage that is the core draw to seeing them live. It is hearing that music and experiencing the spectacle with a thousand people. It’s all about context. We would be a bit disappointed to see Steve Vai use backing tracks instead of playing his guitar for real, but that is a different experience and expectation all together. There isn’t malicious intent with these backing tracks, it’s to produce a good show consistently.

[@adriansmith6993]

How funny, I like what each band has to offer. With or without the backing tracks, it's all good. If you get my attention, you're doing a good job ❤

[@Erin_A_13]

Team Sebastian on this one. I saw Skid Row in 1991 with Pantera opening - neither band needed a laptop to pull off an incredible show. A laptop is just a 'tool' and if you can't function without it to put on a solid show, then you're only as good as your tool. I also saw Sigur Ros in 2001 or so, a band heavily reliant on synth sounds. Well, their synthesizer/keyboard set up malfunctioned, but instead of cancelling the show, they improvised with their guitars and bows and did amazing. Hell, if the power went out at a Darkness show, you'd turn on a flashlight, pick up your acoustics, and turn it into something out of this world.

[@darkchild130]

Imagine the disappointment of watching Skid Row after a Pantera set.

[@Erin_A_13]

@@darkchild130 I wasn't disappointed in the least. I was 13, I loved/love both. It was an awesome night.

[@darkchild130]

@@Erin_A_13 I’m glad you had a great time!

[@frasermackie19]

You are really interesting to listen to. Enjoyed this

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks for listening!

[@Imfreehowaboutu]

Most modern bands use computers/laptops for backing tracks, samples, lighting, click tracks and automated program changes like changing a guitarist’s amp to a lead channel at a predetermined time. I wish this was a thing when I was playing. I always hated having to hit foot switches while playing live.

[@Justin_Kipper]

I have a DVD of Devo playing a live show. As the opening band, they weren't allowed the time to set up their computers. So they played their set totally raw, just them and instruments and mics exclusively, for the first time in many years. And it sounded fine. I pity a modern band that is so reliant on technological aid that they can't just set up and play; whether it sounds exactly like the recordings or not, most fans will still appreciate it.

[@antdujar]

I always enjoy your commentary and thoughts. This was hilarious 😂

[@darktoranaga]

I love both a scaled down performance, just the instruments and voices on the stage, and a fully blown performance, like The Wall from Pink Floyd (or just Waters now). It is 100% the band's choice to go for one or the other, or anything in between. As long as they do perform live, they can add or remove as much technology as they see fit, it is their music and their show. If we are talking about this particular case, where they chose to not do it at all rather than do it "garage band style", I would have preferred to watch the band I paid tickets for, even without the extra stuff, but I wouldn't be mad if they chose not to do it. People get too riled up about things that don't matter all that much in the end.

[@benzakonium]

Laptops can be used to run all the in-ear, midi timing, clicks, lighting, amp sims and run samples. They don’t take away from a musicians ability to play, they augment the ability to get closer to the album rather than simplifying and stripping back

[@jamesrudd8705]

In other words, if you lack actual talent, you can fake it by using computers.

[@michaellorenz7177]

@@jamesrudd8705 or, in other words, when the FOH is ran of laptops, and the stage cues are run off laptops, and you're dumb enough to NOT have backups to your backups, you end up being 4 or 5 (or so) dicks on a dead stage. My biggest problem is ET ripping a band like FIR for canceling shows due to missing laptops but salivating over Gene & Paul every time they get onstage and fake it. Eddie Trunk is a dinosaur, and his pining for the late 80's isn't going to bring it back, no matter how well the artists can mime their performances now.

[@guitarboy913]

Understood, but who goes to a live concert expecting it to sound just like the album? One could just stay home, listen to the album and save the time and money involved in attending the concert.

[@philpants44]

​@@guitarboy913 some bands manage it

[@follow-the-white-rabbit5015]

@@jamesrudd8705 it's almost like you didn't read this comment. Some bands can play on the fly with tempo fluctuating and that's fine. Other are more straight and use click tracks. Guarantee a lot of bands you think don't use it or backing or anything else with computers..... Use exactly that. Being ignorant to what bands use and going off in comments like that make you look a fool. Which you are.

[@StrangeDevice]

- 1 replacement laptop: $1500 - 1 reel of Ampex 456 2” tape: $450 - Justin searching the heavens for the cloud: priceless!

[@owenthomas1045]

He was talking about the recording process. It’s easier to use a computer in our digital age then recording and tracking an album on tape.

[@cheechdubinsky6709]

@@owenthomas1045 god forbid

[@michellebrown7714]

you left off the 200+ HOURS of programming that was in said comp AND each of its backups which were missing too

[@ralphsimon3179]

Hey Justin, just want to say as a fan and longtime singer myself, you have probably the most amazing ear for music. Anyways, before the days of laptops at 16-17-18 years old In the late 90s I was singing to a dry PAM don’t ask me why and I’m talking stuff like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses stuff so I totally hear Sebastian who I’m a huge fan of and had the opportunity of meeting and was really cool so cool he gave me his microphone before he went from playing stadiums to Coney Island hi which is a small club in East Village which only held a couple of hundred and I was right there slapping him I thought the whole shop and I guess he heard that I was walking carrying out and I did have a band then at 16. Anyways real quick I just wanna say the biggest background vocal pre-recorded thing that was shocking to me is listen to Mötley Crüe’s version of Dr. feel good on the live carnival of sins tour. I’m surprised they would have a background vocal pre-recorded not even saying bye Nikki Sixx or Mick Mars for they cannot saying apparently but in the background or some guy behind the stage but like you I’ve been years is definitely well they had a lot of people fooled. Nikki Sixx was singing but it was clearly not Nikki Sixx Nikki Sixx could sing that good he’d be the lead singer himself or he has the songwriter but when you get a chance listen to motley Cruise version of Dr. feel good on this two of the carnival scenes tour which you could find easily on KZbin. Keep up the great work I guess I’m kissing ass but you were like the second coming of Freddie Mercury if anyone I truly think so and I think I leave my opinions like yourself. Keep up the great work buddy. Ralph from Manhatttan. Oh by the way it’s ironic because I heard Sebastian say in early interview when asked who his biggest biggest influence was and he said Mötley Crüe we seem to use a lot of backing digital stuff since the early millenium even with the drums

[@keolahutchinson7687]

I'm glad this has come to the forefront. We have needed to talk about this. I have my views on it. As a musician myself, well in the know of all the smoke in mirrors... I'm just surprised that this has gone unnoticed by most people when I'm at concerts these days. Live karaoke. The focus is entertainment. People really don't care how.

[@Paddy.C]

Hats off to Ronnie, just for the quality of his roast-tweets.

[@twistedTNtwinkie]

Who is Ronnie radke?!?

[@Paddy.C]

@@twistedTNtwinkie I have no idea, never heard of him or his band.

[@jillconner5062]

Yeah he got him good with the pics.

[@chrisortiz8077]

@@twistedTNtwinkie lead singer of falling in reverse. Probably one of the biggest bands in the world right now. Their new song "watch the world burn" was number 3 trending on KZbin music just a few weeks ago.

[@shernigz]

@@twistedTNtwinkie a loser

[@denbotrexwell]

Justin, your reaction to Radke's Memes is GOLD man, just GOLD. Thanks mate.

[@brianjohnson5789]

David Brooks (Numan's current keyboard player) has done a few KZbin videos on how he runs their setup, the laptop stuff does not detract from the stuff actually being played which is significant. But remember the lighting people are probably using laptops etc too. Personally I loved the recent Numan shows, and there should be room for stuff like this is any rock fans heart.

[@te9591]

Gary Numan?

[@brianjohnson5789]

@@te9591 yes

[@lancecox8084]

Saw one of his recent shows, it sounded great, I know some of the synth tracks are sequenced using Midi, but much electronic music is written that way, I understand it is the only way to play some of those songs, in the studio or at a live gig.

[@te9591]

@@lancecox8084 that's why the show for synth musicians is in the concept and then their vocal performance/stage presence imo.

[@brianjohnson5789]

@@te9591 Gary did some of those songs in the COVID lockdown streaming live, just him and an acoustic guitar... At its heart there is a great musician to all the tech, and that shone through then

[@LarryLeeMoniz]

I feel that as long as the band is playing their instruments and actually singing rather than lip synching, it is OK to use additional pre-recorded tracks along with their live performance. If The Beatles would have continued touring after they started their complicated arrangements, they would have had to have done this (unless they wanted an orchestra to tour with them!). As long as you don't "Milli Vanilli" it up!

[@joeoliver4266]

Problem is, people on Eddie Trunk’s side assume that the use of modern technology *always* makes it a Milli Vanilli situation. When they’re dead set on that assumption, there’s no reasoning with them.

[@smaze1782]

I think this is my new favorite YT channel. Justin is a talented musician and funny as hell. A great combo indeed.

[@DougHell]

Not a Darkness fan. But I can appreciate and recognize talent. This guy can really sing and play. I don't know what drew me here but it's interesting. Subscribing.

[@scum1]

Me as well. Not a fan but enjoy a good music discussion. I subscribed as well

[@RealHawkz]

You can get everything you need from Radke's apology. It's unfortunate that they didn't have a back up somewhere, but I assume it was more than just the laptops missing, likely other hardware that links it to the stage etc. Not as simple as just loading the tracks back onto a new laptop, I'm sure. Lights, amp and effect automization, click tracks, string parts. synths... Things that really don't require a whole band member. Many people in the comments hear 'laptop' or 'tracks' and automatically assume bands are faking their playing and singing.

[@alanflint7732]

I think the laptop/backing track thing stems from bands reaction to the expectation of the public to hear a live show that sounds like the studio recordings. Personally, I like live stuff. Fingers on frettboards and notes not autotuned and drummers dropping their sticks. Real life is worth experiencing. I try singing (badly). I'm lucky if I'm even in the same room as the note. Respect to those who do it in public.

[@Patrick-857]

They are performing live. They are all excellent musicians. The laptop likely controls everything, FX changes, lighting, synths, backing tracks, extra percussion and sound effects, not to mention the all important click track.

[@AngieCurl]

Falling in Reverse has a lot of rap tracks and trap beats. Ronnie also has a lot of special effects and non-musical elements in his songs. Synths and 808s. They aren’t just a “rock band”. Also Ronnie is a big dude, too. 😂

[@Arcanum_Letalis]

and he served time in jail, which depending on the perspective, might also add to make him a little scarier

[@Superabound2]

@@Arcanum_Letalis serving time in jail just means you were dumb enough to get caught

[@liquidzuel2321]

Rap tracks lol

[@Wonderkell74]

I agree. Depends on the style of music. Falling in Reverse is quite different to Skidrow. Music moves & grows with the times. My daughter is a singer songwriter who performs solo & can’t afford a band. She prerecords quite a bit of her other instruments & then plays an instrument & sings live alongside. It also allows her to add instruments she can’t play. I think it’s smart to add what computers are able to achieve to live performance if you want or are able to. I honestly can’t stand this gatekeeping of culture that goes on.

[@michellebrown7714]

@@Superabound2 lol catching a accessory charge when someone sold you out is dumb enough to get caught? lol

[@davidweier]

I think as a fan I want to see you as the artist play live. If I want to hear it electronically then I’ll save my money and just listen to it in my car. Sometimes artist inspirations can come up with a live version that can be better then the album.

[@SMQai]

Justin, I just found your channel last week. I dig your style and point of view. Can't stop watching.

[@marcussmith8747]

That's the thing about FIR, they don't just use backing tracks, there are all kinds of accompaniments involved, from samples and backing tracks, to lighting, to backing vocals and vocals affects, and everything in-between, so it's not that easy for them to just perform without their laptops.

[@339blackdiamond]

Then they're not performers, they're actors.

[@samanthar1214]

@@339blackdiamond How? They are still singing and playing live on stage. However, Ronnie cannot do things like vocal layering by himself, any symphonic sounds they can't do on stage, unless they happen to hire a sympathy, yeah that's cheap...

[@AngieCurl]

@@339blackdiamond The only point you have here is that a modern concert is the cousin to a broadway show. All the “actors” sing / play their parts live.. But computer run their lights and other effects. Makes for a stellar show and a smooth performance. Ensures that people are getting their money’s worth.

[@thumplife792]

I was waiting for this video. You have echoed what some others have said, but you just say it better than they do. Maybe it's the accent that adds +15 to intellect and the epic intro? Whatever it may be, you've become one of the best channels on KZbin that discusses the music industry. You can't beat the perspective of someone that's been there and done that.

[@magicmatt1969]

J.H, love your takes on things, very good content & hillariously delivered... keep em coming

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

I love old school classic rock/metal, but I'm open to new ideas. That being said...Trunk is the original and genuine Mayor of Wankerville. A true gatekeeper and db.

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

I really wish Trunk would just stfu already lol

[@joemillo]

He really is. He always struck me as a name-dropping jerk. Can’t stand the sound of his voice.

[@pitpride1220]

He is a name dropper. He's been reprimaded several times for embellishing relationships and announcing false information.

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

@Marty McK You'd be surprised how many of your old school bands play loops, click tracks, etc... Hell, do you think Queen EVER sang their choral breakdown from Bohemian Rhapsody live? Even RUSH kept up with the latest innovations to enhance their performance.

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

@Marty McK ...if you're going that route and not having a backup when something goes wrong is just plain stupid.

[@cherryllcooper679]

SWANKY looking ensemble today!

[@dEadERest]

true dat! and 'see you on the ice' is one of my favorite ever sign-offs 🤣🌴

[@williambock1821]

When Swervedriver (maybe the coolest guitar band ever)plays “Duress” live without the percussion backing track ,there is definitely something missing because it sets the mood so perfectly when the song starts.

[@gahangore111]

Honestly nothing better than a feud I'm not involved in that I can just enjoy from a distance.

[@vorrr9]

I second the cloud (or other backup) point. Any band that relies on software / electronic tracks should account for this. You could carry a backup of the whole thing on a damn keychain. And you absolutely should.

[@Patrick-857]

Setup time for a lot of the software stuff isn't all that simple. They may have just not had time.

[@johnwarren4665]

You are correct about backing your information up in the cloud. Also, if what's on the laptop is as important as it appears for Falling in Reverse, they need to back up that information on multiple portable hard drives carried by different people in the band, so it would be harder to lose. This way they can just buy another laptop, as you mention, and load the information up on the new laptop. Best practices dictate that if something is important on a computer, then you should have at least three copies: 1 on your computer, 1 in the cloud, and 1 on a portable hard drive.

[@Patrick-857]

You can back it up, but setting it up would take many hours. It's not like backing up a phone (getting logged back in when I replaced my phone took hours with all my accounts). I've spent a fair amount if time with audio equipment and software, and it's not simple. MIDI, as versatile as it is for example, is an archaic protocol that's been pushed far beyond it's original capabilities, and it takes time to tell it what equipment to send what messages on what channels. Plug-ins and DAWs all have onerous DRM processes to go through, and all need to be configured, a backup won't contain that stuff. The other fun bit is when a particular piece of software refuses to work on a particular OS version, but that piece of software is integral to your setup, so you don't update. A lot of audio computers don't get updated for this reason. A single update can completely destroy your setup. I spent thousands on Protools, but I can't use it at all now because my version is not compatible with the later versions of Mac OS, so I'm somehow expected to just buy it again. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes, pulling the plug on a show that size is a very serious decision.

[@BWater-yq3jx]

ngl, that was Class-A Trolling from Ronnie. 😆 😂 🤣

[@jonsteeva9444]

Before this so called feud I had never heard about Falling In Reserve and their vocalist Ronnie Radke. Now I know both names. Someone once said: "There is no such thing as bad publicity ..." Oscar Wilde put it like this: “There's only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

Wilde also said "Your majesty is like a big jam donut with cream on the top."

[@cheechdubinsky6709]

No bad PR, if you're TALENTED

[@meshzzizk]

There’s a great Alan Partridge bit about this

[@robinbradbury6493]

Thinking you hit the nail on it's tiny little head.

[@theinternet1424]

You're looking especially casually suave in this video, Justin. And also make a lot of sense about the music laptop thing. Much love ❤️

[@joemommasvids]

12:34 this is what I love about music. You have metal bands that play to clicks and sound like absolute machines and you get this fucking brutal, head pounding at their shows (example being meshuggah). Then you have the darkness who play a better show the old school way by being able to read a room and perform a completely unique set every night of their tour. This is the beauty of going to shows imo. I'd never want to see The Darkness playing to click tracks and just cruising through their songs, but it makes sense to get your ass kicked that way at a Meshuggah show. Also, Justin, if you haven't (doubt it) seen meshuggah live, I'd love for you to check out Rational Gaze or Bleed by them on your channel! Or anything from The Dillinger Escape Plan. I love the show, friend!

[@perandersson9806]

Meshuggah does not need click-tracks, they have a Haake...

[@sammadden5540]

@@perandersson9806 that's so funny, Meshuggah pre clicks sounds so different to Meshuggah post clicks. It's a night and day difference 😅

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

I'm not a Darkness fan but his statement made me want to watch one of their shows. Metal shows (especially from technical bands) became so incredibly artificial and "perfect" that it came to a point where I'm more moved by street performers then by essentially hearing the CD on a massive stereo with a bunch of other people and some guys on stage waving their hair around.

[@joemommasvids]

@@perandersson9806 hahaha so true

[@joemommasvids]

@@dr.juerdotitsgo5119 yeah im not a big fan of any new metal bands. Almost any metal band that's come out in the last 12 years I've steered clear from. Idk if you were ever a Dillinger escape plan fan, but you should check them out. They were my favorite band by far because nothing about them or their shows felt "artificial".

[@abbyhuntley3171]

Hope you’re ok Justin, the wheezing!

[@user-bj2lu9qt3o]

Yeah, doesn't sound good..

[@NorthernGrim]

Cracked me up this Justin, cheers for showing this to me, I had no idea!

[@lowenbad]

I’m a big fan of Devin Townsend. He definitely uses tracks in his live show… but a couple years back, he did a tour where he intentionally did not use them, and released a live album called “Order of Magnitude”. It’s one of my favorite things he’s ever done. He has several other live albums and I honestly have no desire to listen to those because they are just like the studio albums but with crowd noise and banter.

[@kylejamescromwell4742]

If ur a fan of Devin then ur wrong!!

[@kpaasial]

He still uses some backing tracks because some elements of the songs from the backing tracks just have to be there to make the songs sound right. On "Order of Magnitude" he was able to drop the backing tracks only because he had 10+ people on the stage performing the music. I do agree with you about his earlier live albums that sounded quite sterile because of over-reliance on click tracks, backing tracks and trying to recreate the album mixes live. I'd rather take what he's doing now with minimal amount of backing tracks and musicians with freedom to play like humans and not robots.

[@robbysguitars8223]

21 Pilots had to have tracks to put on a show for years. For their latest tour, they brought a whole band with them. It was so good to see everything played live, but I can't deny that with tracks, the two core members used to put on spectacular shows as well.

[@listener84]

The show is still very track heavy but cool that they augmented a band.

[@SuperCroc69]

Australian here. The actual home of of rock. Biggest selling rock album? AC-DC - Back in Black. First Punk record The Saints - I'm Stranded. Rose Tattoo. The Angels. Midnight Oil (Early).Hoodoo Gurus. Sunnyboys, Hard Ons, Painters and Dockers. Finest Rock and Roll on the Planet.

[@noahMrkz]

Laptop or not I’ve seen Ronnie sing live. Dude is f’n talented. You should really check out Ronnie’s music. One of the better live shows I’ve seen in a while.

[@DreadNovella]

He still should have played. That's pretty lame

[@adamseccombe3806]

I'm about to die but so proud to hear a nice lad like you

[@Thisisnotmyactualname]

You still alive bro?

[@Soniel1988]

I'm at the Alcatraz that evening! Despite it all it was an amazing show!!! We all want to cheer you up and you gave us a stunning show ❤

[@IronButterknife]

What’s wrong with just adapting, and making it worth watching. Talent.

[@BounceTheCat1]

As a sixty year old rocker... 100% with Radke! Trunk can just fade away ... This is art and how one performs or what tools they use to produce that art is neither here nor there, it's whether one enjoys said art. Maybe these old guys are just jealous that they didn't put in the time and effort to master the laptop. Good onya Justin, keep up ther good works. 😿Bounce #takecareofeachother ✌and ❤

[@shawnsdrumcave]

Or maybe Radke and his band didn't put in the time learn their instruments 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BounceTheCat1]

@@shawnsdrumcave Me thinks you should look into that a bit and then, maybe reconsider... Peace

[@simonharwood8488]

Thing is... rather than a dichotomy of laptops ok, laptops not ok, each artist will cancel a show when they feel they can't put on the show. Could be for a strained back muscle, could be for a missing laptop. The specifics of your show (which can get very technical) is individual to each artist. But yeah... a contigency plan for the tech... always a good idea!

[@cheechdubinsky6709]

You're just a burnt out old hippie. You should be ashamed of yourself. Probably supported the Underground Weather Network too

[@johnjohn37371]

@@shawnsdrumcave what makes you think that the band members didn't record the backing tracks on actual instruments and add them to the live show for depth? Tracks on a laptop does not necessarily mean computer generated...could just be recorded tracks, like bands have used for decades....

[@Angi-no-e]

"It'd be difficult to knock him over, I think," almost made me spit coffee all over my keyboard. I needed the laugh, thanks.

[@waygonner]

I personally don’t care at all if there are bands that use every technology possible and fake everything. AS LONG as their fans know and accept and are cool with it. I personally like live everything, warts and all. Some of the best performances I’ve ever seen were full of “mistakes” (I.e. The Black Keys in 2008) but the passion of the band and the fans made it amazing!

[@meteorman6167]

I was just at an Iron Maiden concert and their sound engineers had multiple laptops. It a great way to have the sounds for many songs pre-mixed, such as the bass being louder in one song or the snare drums more quiet in another. Yea bands back in the day had the old school mixing boards but those aren’t used that much anymore. The mix boards are on the computers now. Lighting and other theatrical elements are also saved on laptops. We don’t live in the 1970s anymore.

[@waygonner]

@@meteorman6167 that’s really interesting and makes sense. Cheers!

[@CaptWesStarwind]

Hey, I still think one of the most impressive things about seeing Areosmith live is watching a 76 year old man stand atop a grand piano while playing a guitar. I really don't know many other 76 year old dudes that could pull that one off.

[@raakareiska9804]

What I want to know are these Falling in reverse guys wearing these scene/emo wigs when they get to age of 76 years 😂

[@felixprime8291]

11:20 TBH the fact that they couldn't play because they didn't have the laptops suggest that it wasn't prerecorded backing tracks that were the issue. They definitely have backups of that somewhere, whether it be at the studio, home etc. so even if it's not in the cloud they can get it emailed to them and buy a new laptop or 3. What was probably the issue was probably config stuff, lighting/pyro sequences, presets, midi triggers, audio environments, synth presets etc. which even if they are backed up still take a fair amount of work to re-establish cos it's not just an audio file you can just stick on.

[@MrCalicious]

People fail to realize that the laptops are more than just backing tracks. They are the guitar tones, the light shows & special effects, the synth backings, the click track, the rap beats, the harmonies, vocal effects, everything, and all of that has to be perfectly timed to work - which isn't possible to do live unless you throw money at it. Music doesn't pay enough to have $100k rigs for each player, walls of amps, backup musicians and vocalists, and the multiple trucks & army of staff it takes to transport & work all of that for a headlining band, especially when one laptop and a single rack can give you all of that at the same perceivable quality for a tiny fraction of the price and effort. Even more, for these people to talk trash is ridiculous. You can't look me in the eyes and say that Bach wouldn't cancel a show if he lost his backing tracks, light show, and FX programming & didn't have dozens of staff on board to reprogram it on hand - we know the answer, because he is a notorious diva.

[@kirstycoetzee7662]

Love how chill you are about all this, taking a neutral, level-headed stance. Falling in Reverse's music is complex, their shows are outstanding, and Ronnie Radke is a perfectionist. I can't see him settling for a half-assed show that's missing major elements of their set. Disappointing to have a show cancelled, but I can also understand and respect their reasons why. Love the Sebastian Bach memes, ha ha ha - thanks for sharing those 🤩And YOU, dear sir, are a legend and a delight to watch. Take care ❤‍🔥

[@chedisLoL]

He's reliant on a computer. Hes no musician he's a DJ and a Child. Real talent would be able to perform without any computers.

[@metalpuppet5798]

​@@chedisLoLyou are stuck in the stone age and its embarassing. Every band needs to write the stuff they want to write. If that includes all kinds of extra instrumentation like orchestral parts, beats, synths etc then so be it. A lot of the times the songs simply do not work without these parts. And thats not because they are badly written or anything like that. The extra instrumentation is just a vital part of the song and thats perfectly fine. That also means they will need a way to have these things live. Touring with all the extra musicians to play everything fully live is financially and logistically completely impossible. That means in order to be able to perform their music they need to use tracks

[@jackfryer3617]

I play guitar and love it. Remember working in this ladies house once and they had a load of guitars up in a music room , whilst I was checking their rads. She later told me her son was the guitarist of falling in reverse. Later checked them out and odly had already had the escape the fate albums. Fun story 😂

[@nathanieI]

great show. wish there were more music based podcasts.