GENE SIMMONS Says KISS, AC/DC And METALLICA Are Among 'Very Few Bands' Not Using Backing Tracks

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has slammed "dishonest" artists who use backing tapes during their live performances, explaining that there are "very few bands" left who still play their instruments in concert without the aid of extra tracks.

"I have a problem when you charge $100 to see a live show and the artist uses backing tracks," Simmons tells Australia's News.com.au. "It's like the ingredients in food, if the first ingredient on the label is sugar, that's at least honest. It should be on every ticket — you're paying $100, 30 to 50 percent of the show is [on] backing tracks and they'll sing sometimes, sometimes they'll lip synch. At least be honest. It's not about backing tracks, it's about dishonesty."

He continued: "There's nobody with a synthesizer on our stage, there's no samples on the drums, there's nothing. There's very few bands who do that now — AC/DC, METALLICA, us. I can't even say that about U2 or THE [ROLLING] STONES. There's very few bands who don't use [backing] tracks."

A month ago, KISS admitted to using backing tracks while performing its new single, "Samurai Son", one of two songs they recently collaborated on with Japanese pop group MOMOIRO CLOVER Z.

While announcing KISS's 2012 tour with MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISSSimmons was also critical about pop artists who use pre-recorded backing tracks in their live shows. He said: "We're sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them. The guys you see on stage are playing their instruments. No fake bullshit. Leave that to the Rihanna, Shmianna and anyone who ends their name with an 'A.'"