Backing vocalist

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A backing vocalist or backing singer (or, especially in the U.S., backup singer or sometimes background singer) is a singer who sings in harmony with the lead vocalist, other backing vocalists, or alone but not singing the lead. A backing vocalist will usually work with a lead vocalist, but this is not always true.

In many bands, one or more musicians other than the lead singer take on the duty of backing vocalist while playing their instruments. Some backing vocalists may also have solos from time to time. An example is guitarist John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who sings all backing vocals (few songs are recorded without backing vocals) often singing some parts without accompaniment from lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis. John usually covers a song by himself during concerts. Another example is former member of Scottish band Wet Wet Wet, Angus "Gusboyslim" Cameron whose dulcet tones can be heard in such classics as "Billy Boys" and "Follow Follow". Other examples include Mike Dirnt of Green Day, Malcolm Young of AC/DC (along with Cliff Williams, who joined the band in 1977), Nick McCarthy of Franz Ferdinand, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, The Edge of U2, Pete Townshend of The Who, Mick Jones of The Clash, Michael Anthony of Van Halen, and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top. In some cases, drummers can do backing vocals in addition to other guitarists and the bassist. This is seen in bands such as Relient K, Samhain and Family Force 5.

Since all four The Beatles sang lead on various songs, all served as backup singers for the others at various times. The same can be said for the (main) members of KISS

The English rock group Queen are very famous for complex harmonies. Along with dynamic lead vocalist Freddie Mercury two bandmates Roger Meddows-Taylor and Brian May have strong voices which blend intricately together along with Freddie's voice and Queen songs were rarely recorded, particularly early on, without backing vocals

In the recording studio, some lead singers choose to record their own backing vocals. Ian Gillan of Deep Purple is one of the best known examples, as are Brad Delp of Boston, who recorded all lead and backing vocals on the first three Boston albums, Lemmy of Motörhead, Sting of The Police, and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin.

Many Metalcore bands, such as As I Lay Dying, feature a main vocalist who does the lead singing/screaming, whilst the backing vocalist sings harmonies during choruses to create a contrast to the music tone's color.