Former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin has criticized Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx for relying on pre-recorded backing tracks during live performances. Such practices undermine the authentic energy of rock shows. Larkin made these comments during an episode of Inside Skinny Productions.
“You see Nikki Sixx up there with Mötley Crüe. He’s not really singing, he looks away, but you still hear his voice. Well, it’s a track playing,” Larkin said. “In order for those things to happen, the band has to be on a click track — and the band doesn’t have to.”
Larkin’s critique reflects a broader philosophy about live rock performance that has defined Godsmack’s approach for over two decades. Godsmack performs without click tracks or backing tracks. This allows for the unpredictability that defines authentic live rock. “It’s a homogenization of what used to be the dangerous feeling of a rock show — dangerous from the band’s aspect on stage too. You don’t know what’s gonna go on,” he explained.
This stance contrasts sharply with bands that rely on digital assistance. Larkin values the human element of performance, where the natural “push and pull” of a live show creates genuine dynamics. These dynamics cannot be replicated with backing tracks or click-based precision. The band’s approach prioritizes the showman quality of its musicians, particularly the drummer, who must adapt in real-time to the energy of the crowd and the other band members.
The debate over backing tracks and click tracks has become more prominent in recent years as more established rock bands have adopted these technologies. Larkin has observed this trend growing across the industry. Many musicians now discuss the practice openly. What was once a subtle aspect of modern live performances has become increasingly visible. Rhythm guitars and vocal harmonies often come from tracks rather than from musicians on stage. This shift represents a fundamental change in how rock concerts are produced and experienced by audiences.
Larkin’s criticism of Sixx and Mötley Crüe underscores a philosophical divide within the rock community about what constitutes a genuine live performance. For Godsmack, the commitment to playing without technological crutches means accepting the imperfections and spontaneity that come with truly live music. The band’s drummer has made clear that this approach requires a level of musicianship and connection between band members that cannot be achieved when performers are locked into a click track or dependent on backing tracks to fill out the sound. This uncompromising stance has become increasingly rare in an era where technical precision and consistency are often prioritized over raw energy and authenticity.
