I saw Elton John do a one-man show, with backing tracks generated by Yamaha Diskclavier (I think). Could have been an out-of-site sequencer. Makes him not a pro.
LOTS of headliners regularly do their hits with backing tracks. First one I saw in person was Bobby Goldsboro during a taping of the Johnny Cash tv show in Nashville many ears ago. He strummed the guitar and the "band" played. But there was no band.
I do get to see lots of pros though. They are usually in the audience wanting my job.
If the electricity went out, I'd have to get out an acoustic guitar. Never was a piano player, I'm an ARRANGER Player. I could fake it on an organ with no acc, but not for long on a piano.
Interesting topic though, Chas. The old purist theme.
I think the reception has been better than if I went to a jazz organist forum and started an arranger discussion.
DonM