Looking back at the thread it started out as a gripe against backing tracks, which I assume means an instrumental accompaniment to a singer who might or might not be playing an instrument themselves.

Recent posts seem to have drifted into the issue of "lip syncing" ie miming to a totally prerecorded performance.

I have no fundamental objection to the former and as I said earlier I can see a place for it but If I went to a concert - even if it was a major pop act where more of this goes on - and the whole performance was lip synced (or not depending how good they are) I would feel cheated. Even so lip syncing has a place, for example promoting your latest single on Breakfast TV and though I don't particularly like it I can understand why they do it.

On the other hand I have attended performances by solo artists who have sung to backing tracks and it has been effective and they have put on a good performance.

Finally backing tracks are probably not appropriate at your local folk club singaround, though I expect they will appear there eventually.