I was not offended Pat. Why should I be? Your point is perfectly valid.

FWIW, I do NOT look down on backing tracks at all BUT a vocalist with just backing tracks still needs something more - hence the need for dance routines or whatever. That is not MY scene either (no more than using pitch correction software), besides it doesn't fit with ballads and crooning. 'Half playback' is the same as karaoke, is it not? If not, what's the difference?

As a matter of fact, I happen to be a damn good singer but a singer without a band or at least an instrument does not offer much to look at for more than one or two numbers (unless he is doing cartwheels and zooming about all over the place)

Furthermore, a solo singer/guitarist will look ok doing Folk with an acoustic but doing Country Rock with an electric and backing tracks? It just won't look right IMHO. To this end, I have been looking for some time now for a female keys player to perform with - I can see THAT working (male guitar and vocals, female keys and harmonies, with or without backing tracks)

As to the 5 elemental differences you propose, I do not see that as a problem rather as a foregone prerequisite

Follow That Dream

Sam
Karaoke King

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Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what