Gene is a big story-teller. Of course they use backing tracks. They sucked when they started and it only got worse. The backing tracks at least make it possible for them to continue.

“I have a problem when you charge $100 to see a live show and the artist uses backing tracks,” Simmons told Australia’s News.com the same year. “It’s like the ingredients in food – if the first ingredient on the label is sugar, that’s at least honest.”It should be on every ticket – you’re paying $100, 30 to 50 percent of the show is [on] backing tracks, and they’ll sing sometimes, sometimes they’ll lip sync. At least be honest. It’s not about backing tracks; it’s about dishonesty.”

Source: Joe Lynn Turner says Kiss are “destroying their legacy” by using backing tracks | Louder