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Chevelle’s Sam Loeffler Criticizes Bands Using Backing Tracks

Chevelle’s Sam Loeffler Criticizes Bands Using Backing Tracks

WHAT THEY SAID

"We have no tracks. We have nothing. We're just three guys playing this music," Chevelle drummer Sam Loeffler told 99.7 The Blitz.* He went on to claim some bands aren't playing any of their music live — it's all on tape.

THE DETAILS

  • Loeffler says he discovered many drummers don't actually play the double bass parts live — they're triggered or pre-recorded — and admitted he felt relieved because he couldn't play some of those parts either.*
  • Chevelle performs as a three-piece with zero backing tracks, a rarity as pre-recorded elements become standard across rock and pop.*
  • The band released *Bright As Blasphemy* in August 2025 via Alchemy Recordings after leaving Epic Records.*
  • Chevelle hits the road with Breaking Benjamin starting September 2, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey — a Live Nation tour running through late October.*

WHO IS RIGHT

Loeffler's right that it's happening, but wrong that nobody cares. Fans absolutely care when they find out a band is faking it live — the backlash is real every time someone gets caught lip-syncing or miming parts.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Loeffler won't name names, so the bands using tracks keep their secret and the three-piece grind continues.*

Source ArticlesShow Inline Citations
* CHEVELLE's SAM LOEFFLER On Other Bands' Reliance On Backing Tracks During Live Shows: 'Some Of These Guys Aren't Playing Any Of It' — Blabbermouth, Blabbermouth, 2026-05-24T11:15:57+00:00 — https://blabbermouth.net/news/chevelles-sam-loeffler-on-other-bands-reliance-on-backing-tracks-during-live-shows-some-of-these-guys-arent-playing-any-of-it

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