I think he meant strictly as performers, spectacle-wise.
Studio output-wise, Rihanna doesn't even stand a chance. |
Before the stones reached living fossil status, they put on pretty big shows. i think he is wrong no matter how he puts it.
Not to mention the amount of pitch correction/playback that goes into these 'superstars' live shows. Nothing against it, but it's pretty obvious nobody can dance, twirl, jump, and run like that and not miss a note.