Joe Lynn Turner has called out Kiss for allegedly using backing tracks in their music.
During an interview with Andrew Daly of Metal Castle, the vocalist said, “I think it's become too much. I understand some groups need to rely on these computers, but I'm old school, and I think live music should be live. That's what people pay for. If you are well-known and you're going out there and using backing tracks, you're not being honest; it's pantomime. It's not even karaoke. I feel it's cheating people, and it's cheating yourself. Because if you can't cut it live, well, that's what separates the men from the boys. That's what separates who's great and who's average. Anyone can cover it up in the studio, but it all comes out live, and if you can't hack it, then get off the stage.”
He continued, “I understand there's a technology that certain bands use today, but if you're KISS, for example, maybe you ought to quit while you're ahead, guys. Don't you think you've got enough money to where you don't need to take all the static for doing what you're doing? All it's doing is destroying your legacy, and you'd probably be better off if you just stopped. I'm not trying to point them out individually, but they've been known to use it.”
Turner added, “And look, I understand how difficult it is, especially for singers, because you can only go so many nights in a row. So, if you want to be out there still, maybe cut back the nights, and maybe you can't make as much money. I think we have to look at the driving force here and then try and understand the motivation for why they do it. If you're only doing it for money, so you can have five nights instead of three, that's not a good enough reason for me. Go play for three nights and be yourself. Or stop doing it altogether.”