I suppose audiences at live shows over time have an increasingly higher expectation of hearing music as it was recorded..in particular, where complex musical arrangements involving extra musicians and instruments were on the original recording..
It's always been somewhat like that I suppose, as past popular performers (instrumentalists and vocalists) commonly performed live with a full band and/or orchestra.
Smaller groups and bands often resulted and became the norm when the economic viability of touring costs, salaries etc and higher ticket prices necessary prohibited large numbers of players accompanying small groups or solo performers.
Since technology advanced sufficiently to permit such accompaniment to be relatively easily and cheaply used in lieu of many extra players, many people have embraced the practice- either partially or fully.
I know that many musicians are not in favour of using, say, backing tracks in live performances, probably because so many people have overused such aids and their performances are sometimes little more than a form of karaoke, more concerned with individual promotion, self indulgence and aggrandisement than genuine musical ability or talent..
Not looking for an argument here BTW...just thinking about the situation generally...I have my own opinions about the practice but I'll keep 'em to meself..!
