Joe Bonamassa recently took to X to criticize Coachella acts for making fans pay to see lip-synced performances.
The conversation started with Eddie Trunk’s reply to Riki Rachtman’s tweet about backing tracks. Trunk wrote:
“I think backing tracks are awesome. I mean what could be wrong with charging people thousands to see you sing and perform live and then hear a tape instead..? Haha. Couldn’t resist. Hope you are well Riki!”
What Does Joe Think About Lip-Sync?
Bonamassa reposted Trunk’s message and wrote:
“One word: Coachella… I think you pay extra to have some of the acts actually pretend to lip-sync into a microphone rather than dance around to their own music.”
In the comment section, one user agreed with the guitarist as they wrote:
“I don’t see a reason to spend money on playback concerts + travel, accommodation, meals. Then I’d prefer small stages w. live music without playback! I can also listen to canned music in the comfort of my home. I don’t throw myself into a crowd for that, just for real live music!”
Another one disagreed, saying:
“You really sh*t on Coachella? Do you even know who played there? Are you saying Radiohead, Tame Impala, Deftones, etc., etc. are playing along to the track? This is such a weird take.”
Lip-Synch Is Not The Only Thing He Attacked
Not long ago, Bonamassa also blasted TikTok because the platform ignored the artists’ interests. The musician supported Universal Music Group’s choice to stop working with TikTok because of payment problems and wrote:
“‘Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music.’ Now, do Spotify and Apple. Fair value in terms of compensation for songwriters and artists is so far in the rear view mirror that Napster seems like just glitch in the matrix.”
TikTok responded to Universal Music Group by saying that Universal cares more about money than artists and songwriters. Even though other labels agreed to fair deals, Universal left TikTok, which helps artists reach many fans for free.
You can check out the tweets below.
One word : Coachella… I think you pay extra to have some of the acts actually pretend to lip sync into a microphone rather than dance around to their own music. 🤷♂️🎙️ https://t.co/kUnKY5zLjb
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) April 24, 2024
I don't see a reason to spend money on playback concerts + travel, accommodation, meals. Then I'd prefer small stages w. live music without playback! I can also listen to canned music in the comfort of my home. I don't throw myself into a crowd for that, just for real live music!
— Ursula, Sakehanska means grizzly, like ursus mayor (@UMZiegeroski) April 24, 2024
you really shit on Coachella? Do you even know who played there? Are you saying Radiohead , Tame Impala, Deftones, etc., etc. are playing along to track? this is such a weird take.
— RM (@soundspeeds) April 24, 2024
