Dancing With the Stars confirmed that ABC has fired band leader, Harold Wheeler and the 28-member band of musicians. They had performed on the hit TV series for 17 seasons before getting the boot.
According to Usmagazine.com, American Federation of Musicians’ president, Ray Hair, has spoken out against ABC’s decision.
“People who love Dancing With the Stars also love the superb performances of the orchestra because it is such an integral part of the show," said Hair. "The tight, elaborate musical productions that catapulted the show into the top 10 in 17 countries can’t be duplicated by recordings and a small combo. Viewers, whether they are young or old, will reject that as artistic fraud."
Producers have noted that live music will still very much be a part of the show, as well as sound recordings. They have said that the band will be replaced with “a small electric band” to attract younger viewers.
According to an interview with Hollywoodreporter.com, executive producer Conrad Green said, “We feel that there are some types of music and types of songs, a lot of modern music particularly, is so produced that it's impossible for an 18-piece band to replicate that sound.”
Image courtesy of ABC