Looks like the Boss band lipped their performance...

[slucero]

http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/ ... -bowl.html

Music insiders explain why backing tapes are a must for Hudson, Springsteen at Super Bowl

No matter how accomplished a singer is, backing tapes are an essential part of most live, nationally televised musical performances – including those at the Super Bowl last Sunday.

That’s what music-business veterans say in the wake of Jennifer Hudson’s dramatic performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” before the National Football League’s marquee event, which drew 98.7 million viewers. Afterward, the pre-game show’s producer, Rickey Minor, said Hudson used a backing track, as did singer Faith Hill, who performed “America the Beautiful.”

Hudson’s publicist, Jessica Kolstad, said Tuesday that the 27-year-old Chicago native “was singing live to a backing track. Her microphone was on, and she was singing live to the backing track at the request of the producers.”

The Super Bowl has routinely required performers to tape their performances in advance of the broadcast. The performers have the option to sing live, but are encouraged to use the backing track to avoid technical glitches.

“The Super Bowl performances are all on tape,” said Hank Neuberger, a Grammy winning producer who is supervisor of the broadcast audio for the Grammy Awards telecast. Minor is music director of the Grammys in addition to his duties as producer of the pre-game entertainment at the Super Bowl.

Neuberger said not only Hudson and Hill recorded their performances in advance, but so did halftime performers Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Only Springsteen’s vocals were live, he said.

“There is no way you can set up a full band in five minutes with microphones, get all the settings right, and expect to get quality sound,” Neuberger said. “The Super Bowl has been doing that for years with virtually all the bands.”

Subpar singers or dance-oriented pop acts often resort to lip-synching to carry live performances; in recent years artists such as Ashlee Simpson, Madonna and Britney Spears have all dealt with controversies about their use of backing tracks in live performances.

But Hudson is a masterful vocalist with a multi-octave range. Her Super Bowl performance was newsworthy in part because of tragic recent events; her mother, brother and nephew were killed Oct. 24 in their Englewood home, and Sunday marked her first public appearance since then. She gave a poised, emotionally charged performance that was widely praised by viewers, though Internet blogs and message boards lit up with surprised and disappointed reactions when Minor revealed afterward that she was singing to a backing track.

“It’s not fraudulent, it’s the opposite of fraud,” Neuberger said. “It’s not like Milli Vanilli,” referring to the pop duo who won a best-new-artist Grammy that was later rescinded after it was revealed that they didn’t actually sing on their debut album. “This was a case where Jennifer Hudson is the singer, and it was a case of the artist giving the audience her best under adverse conditions.”

Neuberger said a similar strategy was employed by the classical quartet including violinist Itzhak Perlman and cellist Yo-Yo Ma that played to a recorded track at the presidential inauguration last month.

“There were too many variables keeping the instruments in tune while playing outside in cold weather,” he said. “You can’t control the environment, so the smart decision is to record the performance and play along with it. With Jennifer Hudson, if she goes out there, they set up the microphones, the music starts, and something goes wrong --- she can’t hear herself, the microphone doesn’t work --- she’s in trouble. The performance is going to suffer. You only have a certain amount of time. It’s too big of an event to risk something going wrong.”

Still, what about alerting viewers that portions of a broadcast have been pre-recorded if backing tapes are being used? Live sound mixers say the practice is so commonplace that such disclaimers aren’t necessary.

“C’mon, it’s a given,” Neuberger said. “Television and music are not always a happy marriage. It’s hard to present music of the highest quality on television, and you want the audience to hear an artist at their best. It’s not like anybody paid to see Milli Vanilli sing, and found out later they aren’t even on the recording, let along singing on stage.”

Neuberger says the exception to the rule is the Grammy telecast, where all the vocals and most of the backing instrumentation is live. Hudson is scheduled to sing Sunday at the national televised awards ceremony, and Neuberger says she will perform without a backing track.

“We have more time to set up and make sure everything is right,” he said. “We commit more resources to doing this live than any other show. By comparison the Super Bowl has limited resources to deal with adverse conditions, so using a backing tape is the right call.”

greg@gregkot.com

[Blueskies]

Thank goodness they mentioned Springsteen himself was singing live
or Deano's av would have just exploded all over the place.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Thank goodness they mentioned Springsteen himself was singing live
or Deano's av would have just exploded all over the place.

We'll see, maybe the whole story isn't out yet. I can't wait to hear the recordings of Faith Hill and Hudson singing along to the song she sung to at the Super Bowl. I heard one on here of Brittney Spears not to long ago. It was fucking hillariously shitty. That just seems like the typical evolution, someone working the system always seems to record this stuff and then it surfaces at a different time.

[Blueskies]

Thank goodness they mentioned Springsteen himself was singing live
or Deano's av would have just exploded all over the place.

We'll see, maybe the whole story isn't out yet. I can't wait to hear the recordings of Faith Hill and Hudson singing along to the song she sung to at the Super Bowl. I heard one on here of Brittney Spears not to long ago. It was fucking hillariously shitty. That just seems like the typical evolution, someone working the system always seems to record this stuff and then it surfaces at a different time.

We'll see? Madsplash, is that you?

[StoneCold]

I gotta admit on one part where I was watching Patti Scialfa and another woman playing guitar together and commiserating it looked like they weren't concentrating too hard.

But they were just strumming rhythm chords so it probably didn't matter.

This takes Journey a couple notches up since I'd rather hear the whole band live with some screwups than pre-recorded.

[The Sushi Hunter]

This takes Journey a couple notches up since I'd rather hear the whole band live with some screwups than pre-recorded.

This is what I've been thinking myself. Got to wonder how the other's would have sounded doing the entire thing live. And as for the Boss, nice to see that basically he did a karaoke act for the Super Bowl halftime show. Hot fucking damn, who would have ever thought that karaoke would have risen to this level?

[texafana]

uh...Journey isn't near as "live" as they used to be back in the day. I'd be surprised if Arnel is the only one live as far as vocals though. And I still think Dean's vocals are just way too "good" too "perfect" too "lack of hearing breaths" for such a powerful drummer. And then combine that with the vocal acrobatics on Mother Father? ehh... not convinced he didn't lip that performance on DVD.

[Andrew]

I heard one on here of Brittney Spears not to long ago. It was fucking hillariously shitty.

Yeah, beyond a joke. Utterly shiteous to the highest degree. I could sing better (as a female).

Sadly it is far more widspread these days....faaaaaaar more. Even more than 4 or 5 years ago.

Folks....play LIVE or pack it in. I like to hear mistakes/neuances/different takes....

[Rhiannon]

I still think Dean's vocals are just way too "good" too "perfect" too "lack of hearing breaths" for such a powerful drummer. And then combine that with the vocal acrobatics on Mother Father? ehh... not convinced he didn't lip that performance on DVD.

I've caught it in person myself a couple of times and it always sounded completely live to me. And stellar at that.

[RobbieG]

Thank goodness they mentioned Springsteen himself was singing live
or Deano's av would have just exploded all over the place.

Maybe he should have used some tape enhancement, his vocals were bad as well as Stevie.

[StoneCold]

I heard one on here of Brittney Spears not to long ago. It was fucking hillariously shitty.

Yeah, beyond a joke. Utterly shiteous to the highest degree. I could sing better (as a female).

Sadly it is far more widspread these days....faaaaaaar more. Even more than 4 or 5 years ago.

Folks....play LIVE or pack it in. I like to hear mistakes/neuances/different takes....

Andrew, if I may summarize or misconstrue, I think you're saying you liked Arnel's performance after all?

[bluejeangirl76]

Only Springsteen’s vocals were live

Oh my god, if that weren't specified in there, I would have pulled this avatar down in two seconds, all bets off.

[Deb]

I heard one on here of Brittney Spears not to long ago. It was fucking hillariously shitty.

Yeah, beyond a joke. Utterly shiteous to the highest degree. I could sing better (as a female).

Something you're not telling us there, Drew?!

[StoneCold]

Only Springsteen’s vocals were live

Oh my god, if that weren't specified in there, I would have pulled this avatar down in two seconds, all bets off.

Bruce shouldn't be apologizing in your AV. The Boss doesn't apologize for being The Boss. He should be owning that AV.

If true, I'm less than happy with learning this. It's an insult to the band really. The E-Streets DO NOT need tapes. They're the best live band out there today.

[Ehwmatt]

Only Springsteen’s vocals were live

Oh my god, if that weren't specified in there, I would have pulled this avatar down in two seconds, all bets off.

Bruce shouldn't be apologizing in your AV. The Boss doesn't apologize for being The Boss. He should be owning that AV.

If true, I'm less than happy with learning this. It's an insult to the band really. The E-Streets DO NOT need tapes. They're the best live band out there today.

Have you guys even read the reason for doing so? It makes perfect sense to me, it's impossible to get a good mix for a rush set-up like that. Think about sitting in your seat before a show, how many times do the techs come out and check the mics/guitars etc. Hell, bands still sound rough on live TV more often than not. It's very hard to get a GOOD mix that quick. Also consider how the sound at 95% of live shows gets markedly better by the fourth song or so. It takes time to make adjustments. In that time, an average TV performance has already been finished for several minutes.

Anyone who's played a live gig here can attest that a bad mix can make you sound like beginners just learning the vocals, tempo, and chords to your songs.

[WalrusOct9]

I found it hard to believe but then I watched the show again, and...Max's drumming doesn't line up during "Born To Run"....he's paying the ride when you hear an open hi-hat coming out of the speakers. Oops.


I'm pretty disappointed. Despite the quotes from that guy (who had nothing to do with the Super Bowl) it IS possible to do a live show like that. Everything is mic'd up and ready to go well before, they just roll the stage out in pieces and plug in the snake and go.

The Stones were definitely live when they did the Super Bowl a few years ago. And you knew it, because they sounded sloppy as hell (but at least it was real).

[StoneCold]

Only Springsteen’s vocals were live

Oh my god, if that weren't specified in there, I would have pulled this avatar down in two seconds, all bets off.

Bruce shouldn't be apologizing in your AV. The Boss doesn't apologize for being The Boss. He should be owning that AV.

If true, I'm less than happy with learning this. It's an insult to the band really. The E-Streets DO NOT need tapes. They're the best live band out there today.

Have you guys even read the reason for doing so? It makes perfect sense to me, it's impossible to get a good mix for a rush set-up like that. Think about sitting in your seat before a show, how many times do the techs come out and check the mics/guitars etc. Hell, bands still sound rough on live TV more often than not. It's very hard to get a GOOD mix that quick. Also consider how the sound at 95% of live shows gets markedly better by the fourth song or so. It takes time to make adjustments. In that time, an average TV performance has already been finished for several minutes.

It makes sense but still can't help but feeling that way. I guess its not something that could be set up the day before or early that day?

[Rockindeano]

No problems here.

Bruce sang live, all of it. So did Stevie. The band sang too, but had assurances to help. As a matter of fact, this may be the first Super Bowl that was actually sung 100% live by the main vocals. Prince lipped, Tom Petty lipped as did McCartney to a lesser extent. If you dickheads remember, one condition that Bruce made when he agreed to do this is 100% live or no deal. He said he didn't care how it sounded, it was going to be live. Backing vocals are semi acceptable in regular tours, and E Street does not use taped vocals of any kind, but in this situation, where they have to be up and running in 4 minutes, perfectly acceptable. The music was all 100% live, and you heard how perfect they sounded.

Not even remotely close to "lipping."

Try again losers.

[Blueskies]

Only Springsteen’s vocals were live

Oh my god, if that weren't specified in there, I would have pulled this avatar down in two seconds, all bets off.

Bruce shouldn't be apologizing in your AV. The Boss doesn't apologize for being The Boss. He should be owning that AV.

If true, I'm less than happy with learning this. It's an insult to the band really. The E-Streets DO NOT need tapes. They're the best live band out there today.

Have you guys even read the reason for doing so? It makes perfect sense to me, it's impossible to get a good mix for a rush set-up like that. Think about sitting in your seat before a show, how many times do the techs come out and check the mics/guitars etc. Hell, bands still sound rough on live TV more often than not. It's very hard to get a GOOD mix that quick. Also consider how the sound at 95% of live shows gets markedly better by the fourth song or so. It takes time to make adjustments. In that time, an average TV performance has already been finished for several minutes.

Anyone who's played a live gig here can attest that a bad mix can make you sound like beginners just learning the vocals, tempo, and chords to your songs.

True...when it's done live before me in concert then I would like it all to be real but on TV I understand the technical issues and dont mind the back vocals being tape but I do want to hear the lead live.

[Rockindeano]

Only Springsteen’s vocals were live

Oh my god, if that weren't specified in there, I would have pulled this avatar down in two seconds, all bets off.

You know what, take him off there. All you are doing is lowering his value. I waive the bet. You are piss poor loser.

[Ehwmatt]

Only Springsteen’s vocals were live

Oh my god, if that weren't specified in there, I would have pulled this avatar down in two seconds, all bets off.

Bruce shouldn't be apologizing in your AV. The Boss doesn't apologize for being The Boss. He should be owning that AV.

If true, I'm less than happy with learning this. It's an insult to the band really. The E-Streets DO NOT need tapes. They're the best live band out there today.

Have you guys even read the reason for doing so? It makes perfect sense to me, it's impossible to get a good mix for a rush set-up like that. Think about sitting in your seat before a show, how many times do the techs come out and check the mics/guitars etc. Hell, bands still sound rough on live TV more often than not. It's very hard to get a GOOD mix that quick. Also consider how the sound at 95% of live shows gets markedly better by the fourth song or so. It takes time to make adjustments. In that time, an average TV performance has already been finished for several minutes.

It makes sense but still can't help but feeling that way. I guess its not something that could be set up the day before or early that day?

Definitely not... even the very same room/area/venue, with the very same musicians, things can DRASTICALLY change. I'm no sound engineer or acoustical expert, I'm sure someone else on here can fill you in on specifics, but things have to be set up that day for sure.

[bluejeangirl76]

Only Springsteen’s vocals were live

Oh my god, if that weren't specified in there, I would have pulled this avatar down in two seconds, all bets off.

You know what, take him off there. All you are doing is lowering his value. I waive the bet. You are piss poor loser.

Then I guess you really won't like the next one I had planned!!

I am NOT lowering his value. I'm letting that mofo share space with Steve Motherfuckin' Perry. That's an HONOR, Sir Wanks-a-lot. And I'm not a piss poor loser. I'm fun and creative. Any dickbag could have slapped up the Born In The USA album cover for an avatar and called it a day.

[Blueskies]

Only Springsteen’s vocals were live

Oh my god, if that weren't specified in there, I would have pulled this avatar down in two seconds, all bets off.

You know what, take him off there. All you are doing is lowering his value. I waive the bet. You are piss poor loser.

Then I guess you really won't like the next one I had planned!!

I am NOT lowering his value. I'm letting that mofo share space with Steve Motherfuckin' Perry. That's an HONOR, Sir Wanks-a-lot. And I'm not a piss poor loser. I'm fun and creative. Any dickbag could have slapped up the Born In The USA album cover for an avatar and called it a day.

Are you sure you and Deano weren't seperated at birth?

[brywool]

They lipped and they still sounded like that??? Ugh...

[Arkansas]

... The music was all 100% live, ... Not even remotely close to "lipping." ...

Curious. I thought the article said that the music was taped. And define 'lipping'. Does this mean that using pre-recorded tracks for anything is okay, as long as it's not the lead vocal?

Btw, I'm good with whatever they do on tv. It's a show, not a concert. Everything must be orchestrated and coordinated.

Also, one of the guys in the article said that 'all Super Bowl performances' are taped. Does that mean Journey too?


later~

[Rockindeano]

I am NOT lowering his value. I'm letting that mofo share space with Steve Motherfuckin' Perry.

As much as I love Steve Perry, even he isn't in the same league as Bruce. Not quite.

Go fuck yourself.

[bluejeangirl76]

I am NOT lowering his value. I'm letting that mofo share space with Steve Motherfuckin' Perry.

As much as I love Steve Perry, even he isn't in the same league as Bruce. Not quite.

Go fuck yourself.

Opinion noted.

And you too.

[SF-Dano]

... The music was all 100% live, ... Not even remotely close to "lipping." ...

Curious. I thought the article said that the music was taped. And define 'lipping'. Does this mean that using pre-recorded tracks for anything is okay, as long as it's not the lead vocal?

Btw, I'm good with whatever they do on tv. It's a show, not a concert. Everything must be orchestrated and coordinated.

Also, one of the guys in the article said that 'all Super Bowl performances' are taped. Does that mean Journey too?


later~

The article was referring to the music.

I think when saying " all Super Bowl performances" they are referring to the halftime show and the National Anthem. That being said, we all know Journey uses piped backing vocals and click track help on tour. The arguements over "lipping" begin with how much latitude a fan wants to give a band/artist on the use of these "aids".

[WalrusOct9]

Deano, watch the drums on "Born To Run" carefully and tell me what you think (especially after the last verse).

[StoneCold]

Bruce owned this SB. He'll be forever remembered for that slide into the camera. A special treat for anyone with HD.