Victorian Government Minister Tony Robinson clearly has too much time on his hands if he thinks the fact that Britney Spears lip-synching is an issue worth investigating.
So what if Britney lip-synchs ... it is Britney Spears. She has never denied it. The fans just want to go in, hear the songs they like sounding as close to the record and go home happy.The Consumer Affairs minister made this ludicrous statement to the Herald-Sun. "We believe it is good business practice for concert promoters to make it clear to consumers before they buy tickets whether the performer will be miming, and make this clear on advertising, posters and other promotional materials," he said.
That got him some much needed column inches prompting the New South Wales government to weigh in.
If government ministers are only waking up to the fact that many shows have pre-recorded elements then they clearly have had their heads under a rock for decades.
Lots of shows have pre-recorded parts. Roger Waters was accused of doing it on The Dark Side of the Moon tour. Why isn’t the Minister hammering him back then? And Pink Floyd for that matter! I hate to break the news to the minister but that wasn’t an actual alarm clock going off live during the show. For that matter, the floating pig wasn’t a real pig either. Don’t ever let this guy near a Madonna show.
Where do you draw the line? Last night Seal performed his very first show in Australia ever. The entire intro to the show was pre-recorded, as was the prelude to the encore. So what? It added to the show.
What about stage shows? Does Wicked or Jersey Boys need a disclaimer? Of course not! What about John Farnham? If Choom Lim fires off a sample from his keyboard does the entire show need a disclaimer? In fact, does Tony Robinson believe that every sample used in a live performance need to be declared before you buy a ticket?
A call for “truth in advertising” to be initiated for a ticket purchase for a pop show or rock show or stage show for that matter does not matter.
The fan only cares about one thing ... enjoying the show. If Tony Robinson has a problem with the Britney Spears show, then just stay at home Minister.
