Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx has defended the use of technology during live shows once again. The rocker took to X to respond to a fan about using ear monitors on stage and how it affects the band’s performance.
“I have a question. I’ve been watching videos online about what musicians hear on stage with in ear monitors it seem like you can’t hear the crowd at all? If true does that not defeat the object of performing live?” the user asked.
“Hey, Ross. In-ear monitors changed the way we can hear onstage. Yeah, we have audience mics to hear the crowd but it also gives each band member a chance to have their perfect mix (like in the recording studio) for them to hear every instrument separated versus in the old days with the onstage monitors that were all blaring at full volume and made it hard to actually hear yourself clearly. Makes the band play better and makes the audience have a better experience. We love them as too many artists,” Sixx responded.
Other than ear monitors, Mötley Crüe has used many different parts of technology for their shows. However, one of these caused controversy — the alleged use of backing tracks.
John 5 defended Sixx against rumors, saying he viewed them as compliments. “If you listen to these concerts that I do with [Nikki], you hear bum notes,” the guitarist told Trunk Nation. “Do you really think that we would put a mistake on a track? No! It’s so crazy, but a hundred percent he plays every single note on there. Just listen to the shows before you make these statements because you’ll hear mess-ups. And that’s what rock and roll is.”
“Yes, we do rely on technology for backup vocals, intros, outros, sirens, and horn hits,” he then revealed. “Of course, they’ve been doing that since ‘Dr. Feelgood.’ I’m not saying we don’t rely on technology for things that we can’t replicate ourselves, but me, Nikki, Tommy, and Vince; we’re all live up there.”
Even after facing backlash, Sixx has not backed down from his stance on the use of technology in music. The rocker even said earlier that he was open to using technology the way KISS did with avatars. The closest Mötley Crüe got to using avatar technology was for their most recent song, ‘Dogs Of War.’
