I liked that he actually apologised for using backing tracks.
Well, I thought that he apologized for using the vocals of Ninette (?) without her being there. But all the time, even before Routine, you could hear keyboard parts that weren't played, background vocals that no-one sang, and if I'm not mistaken even a guitar once or twice. So I really got the impression he mentioned it in that intro, because everyone would notice that. As if he was hoping no one would spot the other backing tracks.
I remember reading an interview with Guthrie where he confirmed they were playing to a click track live. But I guess with the kind of stage show SW does (videos and all) you kind of have to be playing to a click in order for everything to work together fine and look and sound cool.
I get the live show, video effects argument for using backing tracks, but with all the drumloops, and all the other backing tracks I really had the idea I was looking at a band playing along to a live album. It's hard to say, but I guess I started looking for things no one was playing. And I understand it totally wasn't like that, but once you notice all the backing tracks, you're going to search for them. At least I do.
Oh and BTW, I was sitting looking at the side of the stage, and I'm 90% certain I saw the guitar tech changing the video show. On cue, but live.