Wolfgang Van Halen Slams Musicians That Use Backing Tracks Live

Wolfgang Van Halen had a lot to say about musicians that use backing tracks live. Honestly, the multi-instrumentalist isn't wrong.

In an appearance on guitarist Ola Englund's show Coffee with Ola, Wolfgang says it's a "f*cking bummer" that so many musicians use backing tracks these days. He adds, "Look, I think everybody else draws their own line with what tracks are acceptable or not, but it's, like, if you're pumping in the main guitar riff and the lead vocals and actual f*cking drums — like, pre-recorded drums — that's a problem. You should be able to play your sh*t."

Wolfgang notes there are some reasonable exceptions for using backing tracks, like if you use a large orchestra on a recording but can't afford to tour with an orchestra. However, he says, "But lead vocal, main guitar, main bass and the drums -- you should be playing that."

Van Halen says he purposely makes sure to record songs that he knows he can play live with little to no backing tracks.

"Sure, there are tricks that you can do to do stuff that you wouldn't normally be able to do, but why would you wanna do that?," said Van Halen.  "'Cause it's about creating music that you're capable of doing and that you can do live."

Wolfgang's band Mammoth WVH is on the road all summer in Europe and returns stateside in August. Coincidently, August 4 will see the release of their second album, Mammoth II, is available for pre-save here.

Fans looking to snag a physical copy of the LP and album-exclusive merch can find various pre-sale offerings at the official Mammoth II store.

In memory of the first anniversary of the passing of Taylor Hawkins on March 25, we're looking back on the two tribute concerts organized by the Foo Fighters. The London and Los Angeles shows were incredible events full of light and love. They were reflections of Hawkins, himself. Foo fans the world over will forever miss and remember one incredible drummer and ambassador for rock music.

We send our thoughts to the family and friends of Taylor Hawkins on this anniversary and every day they miss the unique force he was.

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at London's Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 3 will likely go down as one of the most emotional and cathartic moments in rock in 2022.

The stacked bill featured some of the late Foo Fighters drummer's best friends, biggest influences and peers. Combined, those artists delivered an incredible six-hour show. It's one the thousands in attendance and those watching around the world won't soon forget. The Foo Fighters, themselves, delivered an incredible set where they were joined by a number of different drummers. Among them were Josh Freese, Travis Barker, Nandi Bushell, Rufus Taylor and Shane Hawkins, Taylor's 16-year-old son. If that weren't enough, Paul McCartney made a surprise appearance, too.

Preceding the Foos' set was an all-star lineup of performers that included Queen, Rush's Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Stewart Copeland, Brian Johnson, Lars Ulrich, Mark Ronson, Violet Grohl, The James Gang, The Pretenders, Them Crooked Vultures, Supergrass and more.

Photos from the beautiful celebration that was the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert can be viewed below.