SteveXFR

If you ever get the chance to see them live, do it. They're really entertaining and brilliant performers plus Jeff Matz bass is even better live than on the records

What a bass should sound like in this context I guess but completely wrong for lots of other music. There is no ideal bass tone for everything.

Bridgeburner by Mutoid Man My left hand just gets tied in knots

If that's serious tone, then I'll go for daft tone. There is no good or bad tone, only the right tone for the song.

Even with decent headphones, some of them are just clatter without notes. Very much like Fieldy from Korn

Youtuber slapping in particular, the sort where you just hear the clatter of strings on frets sounds like a filing cabinet falling down a fire escape

If a band is being used as an attraction to make money, then the band should receive a cut of that profit. Either a fixed fee or a share of the ticket sales. Gigs can be expensive and hard work (especially if you have big amps) and there's a fair bit of boredom between sound check and gig. I've read that some headline acts are now charging support bands to tour with them, I think it was Disturbed charging $12,000 to support them on their US tour.

Hanging tree - Mark Lannegan

The rhythm guitar was played live, lead was on the backing track. That didn't seem right to me

Synth for a bit of atmosphere and maybe some odd apocalyptic noises definitely works in metal

No, meh and meh

Maybe if the band recently lost a member then while they look for a replacement, a recorded part would be a good way to deal with it while they find a replacement. Last night though, I don't think that was the case, there was too much on backing tracks for that, unless they'd just lost three members.

Tonight I saw a metal band who had a guitarist,singer, drummer and bassist on stage. Throughout their set, I could clearly hear a second guitar (lead), synth, backing vocals and possibly extra drums. It was all their own original music. It seemed like too much of what I was hearing wasn't live. What's the opinion on this?

I've seen some really heavy bands using IEM but with small, 30 watt guitar amps, they have no problem getting loads of feedback. Personally, I quite like having a big cab behind me at serious volume. I'd rather play with amps.

Celebrity skin - Hole

Dead skin mask - Slayer

Ainsley Harriot advises you to give your meat a good ol rub - Raised By Owls

Electric Messiah - High On Fire

I've not heard of the crazy gods of endless noise. Brilliant name, I'll look them up.

Are friends electric - Gary Numan

This was my first attempt recording. A good bit of sludge metal. Recorded in Reef's practice room by their tech. Played in one live take with a hangover. I don't think they know we used their place. I'm sadly no longer with the band, I regret leaving but I'm going to watch them play Saturday night.

Fear inocculum - Tool

Scary Monsters (and super creeps) - David Bowie

Grave digger song - Mark Lanegan My favourite song by a really great singer no longer with us. Have a listen.

High and dry - Radiohead