Joe Elliott of Def Leppard recently expressed his sentiments after his band was accused of using backing tracks whenever they performed live on stage. He also defended his group, saying their instruments were not enhanced.
The musician spoke with Stereogum for an interview about the rumors surrounding their way of playing at concerts. He said he doesn't usually comment on these allegations, but someone accused him on YouTube.
"I don't normally comment on this kind of stuff, but a friend of mine just sent me some link to something on YouTube, a recent posting by, forgive me, I don't know his name, Chuck something from Testament [singer Chuck Billy], I think it is, and [ex-W.A.S.P. guitarist] Chris Holmes accusing us of using backing tracks," he said.
He added that he doesn't get mad whenever he sees someone post that type of content online, but instead, he feels flattered because their "standards must be very high" compared to Def Leppard.
"For anybody that thinks we use backing tracks, it must mean that when they hear us, they can't believe how good it is for real," he added. (via Loudwire)
Joe Elliott Clarifies That Def Leppard Uses Effects Instead of Backing Tracks
Later in the interview, Elliott continued defending Def Leppard to set the record straight on why their music sounds good whenever they play live.
He revealed that the band uses "effects" rather than backing tracks because four are singing live.
READ ALSO: Def Leppard and Journey 2024 Summer Tour Confirmed: Dates, Venues, How to Get Tickets & More
Elliott further shared more behind-the-scene secrets about their live performances, saying that they use keyboards and "a few drum loops" to enhance their sound, and they aren't the only band that does that.
"Playing along to a backing track - we've never done that, never. We've never mimed to the vocals, or we've never had multiples of stuff on tape," he said.
Joe Elliott Wants to Invite People Who Doubt Def Leppard
He later told people who doubted Def Leppard to watch them perform live, stand on the side stage, and wear earphones to actually hear what they were playing.
Elliott noted that the group plays around 90 percent live because they play and sing, which takes a toll on them if they bring out all of their best.
In other updates about the group, Def Leppard is set to embark on a co-headlining tour with Journey later this year, along with their supporting acts: The Steve Miller Band, Heart, and Cheap Trick.
The complete tour dates and tickets are available at this link.
READ MORE: Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard Retiring Soon? Joe Elliott, Nikki Sixx Reveals Bands' Future Plans
