It’s no secret we are in the teleprompter business. In the cover band world, we often hear snide comments like “Learn the lyrics!” or “It’s unprofessional to use a teleprompter,” (We see you, Mr. Troll!)
What many don’t know is that the majority of professionals, many who sell out packed arenas, rely on lyrics prompters to glance and get that quick cue so they don’t miss a beat. Several even employ a “Teleprompter Tech” whose sole job is to ensure the right lyrics are appearing at the right time.
Every musician has their own personal reasons ranging from memory issues as they age, remembering what song is coming up next, or use it as a safety net when they’re dogged-tired from touring on the road.
At BLACK BOX Prompter, we want to let the world know, especially you musicians out there playing clubs and pubs, that there is NO SHAME in occasionally glancing at a prompter for your lyrics.
We’ve compiled 50 popular rock stars who have been known to use teleprompters at some point in their career:
1. Bruce Springsteen – Known for marathon performances, uses teleprompters for lyric cues.
2. Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) – Addmitted using them to remember setlists nd lyrics when he’s distracted.
3. Ozzy Osbourne – Relies on lyrics prompters due to memory challenges related to implications of past drug use.
4. Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones) – Known to rely on them for lyrics considering the Stones’ extensive catalog.
5. Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) – Uses them during his elaborate shows.
6. Paul McCartney – Employs them for his extensive Beatles and solo catalog.
7. Elton John – Uses lyric monitors during his live performances.
8. Bob Dylan – Known for occasionally using them to glance at lyrics.
9. David Lee Roth (Van Halen) – Utilized lyric prompters during live shows.
10. Axl Rose (Guns N’ Roses) – Uses them for his demanding setlists.
11. Bono (U2) – Occasionally uses them for cues during complex performances.
12. Jon Bon Jovi – Uses them to navigate extensive setlists that change constantly.
13. Rob Halford (Judas Priest) – Employs teleprompters for lyric assistance.
14. Gene Simmons (KISS) – Known to use them for lyrics and cues.
15. Tom Petty – Used lyric monitors during live performances.
16. Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) – Occasionally uses lyric monitors during performances.
17. Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) – Known to use them for evolving setlists and expanding catalog.
18. Chris Martin (Coldplay) – Uses teleprompters for complex shows.
19. James Hetfield (Metallica) – Uses lyrics prompters for lyrics and cues.
20. Neil Young – Known to use a teleprompter for his massive song catalog.
21. Rod Stewart – Regularly uses lyric monitors during live performances.
22. Billy Joel – Relies on lyrics prompters for his iconic piano-driven shows.
23. Eric Clapton – Uses them to stay on top of his extensive repertoire.
24. Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) – Frequently uses prompters for lyrics.
25. Sting (The Police, solo) – Occasionally uses lyric prompters for live performances.
26. Madonna – Frequently uses teleprompters for her choreographed shows.
27. Beyoncé – Relies on prompters for her scripted performances.
28. Lady Gaga – Uses them to stay in sync with her intricate setlists.
29. Britney Spears – Often uses teleprompters for lyrics and cues.
30. Adele – Uses lyric monitors during live shows.
31. Rihanna – Known to rely on them for lyrics in concerts.
32. Billie Eilish – Has recently been observed at her sold out shows to have a teleprompter to glance and see what song is next.
33. Justin Bieber – Uses them to maintain focus during live performances.
34. Mariah Carey – Frequently uses teleprompters for her shows.
35. Cher – Known for using them in her theatrical productions.
36. Katy Perry – Uses lyric monitors for her elaborate performances.
37. Celine Dion – Relies on teleprompters for lyric cues.
38. Michael Jackson – Used teleprompters for certain live performances.
39. Elvis Presley – One of the early adopters of teleprompter-style technology.
40. Whitney Houston – Known to use them during live shows.
41. Barbra Streisand – Known for using teleprompters during live performances.
42. Pink – Relies on lyric monitors for her high-energy shows.
43. Usher – Uses prompters for his choreographed performances.
44. Jennifer Lopez – Often uses them during her dynamic shows.
45. Bruno Mars – Uses prompters for his complex setlists.
46. The Weeknd – Known to rely on teleprompters for lyrics.
47. Christina Aguilera – Uses teleprompters for her powerhouse
performances.
48. Demi Lovato – Known to use lyric monitors during live shows.
49. Shakira – Uses prompters during her choreographed and multilingual performances.
50. Harry Styles – Occasionally uses them for his solo shows.
Click here to learn how to get your own lyrics prompter for your next show.