Learn the song.

Plain and simple, you should have all the songs for a live gig learned to the point that you do not need to have scrolling lyrics and chords. If you use that method, it's easy to make it a crutch and rather than interacting with the audience, making eye contact, you are glued to the screen.

I don't play live anymore, but when I did, we had a set list of the songs generally laying by the floor monitors. If there was a new song on the list, perhaps I would write the first word of each verse as a reminder. Beyond that, no, the song was supposed to be committed to memory by the point we took it in front of the audience.

I see some of the big stars are using teleprompters that scroll the lyrics. And I guess, if I was on a stage being broadcast nationally, I might want that too, but then again..... The band supporting the artist knows, and when they see it happen, they are in rescue mode immediately. Unlike BB or some other pre-programmed song, the band can loop as long as they need to until the artists picks it up again. Have you ever seen an artist stop singing in a song and smile at the audience, or say a few words? Most likely, you saw a professional handle the forgotten words like a pro. The audience saw a "special, personal moment" with the artist, not a mistake.

There's a certain connection to the audience that happens when you blow your lines live. It's really not a bad thing, and a pro can handle it in a way that the majority of the audience didn't even know it happened. Everyone forgets the lyrics once in a while. I'd do one of two things.... either I make up lyrics until I get to the place where I remember the correct ones.... or I stop and while the music is playing, tell the audience I thought they were singing this verse. Doing either of those things makes the audience think it was intentional and not simply a forgetful moment on your part.

So regarding your live gigs with background tracks.... learn the chords and learn the lyrics.

If you forget the chords, stop playing... you have a full band behind you. Pick up again when you know where you're at.
If you forget the lyrics... chances are it's in a verse. No one forgets the lyrics to the chorus unless they are falling down, knee crawling drunk.... in which case you should be on stage anyway unless you're George Jones.... So just lay out for the balance of the verse.... come back in on the chorus. Chances are no one will really notice or say anything about it.

Been there, done that, and survived.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.