diff --git a/core/tracing/hooks.go b/core/tracing/hooks.go
index abab70864c..560b27bf00 100644
--- a/core/tracing/hooks.go
+++ b/core/tracing/hooks.go
@@ -183,7 +183,6 @@ type (
 )
 
 type Hooks struct {
-	Backend Backend
 	// VM events
 	OnTxStart   TxStartHook
 	OnTxEnd     TxEndHook
@@ -209,11 +208,6 @@ type Hooks struct {
 	OnLog           LogHook
 }
 
-// SetBackend sets a backend to the hooks, use this backend to read chain data.
-func (h *Hooks) SetBackend(backend Backend) {
-	h.Backend = backend
-}
-
 // BalanceChangeReason is used to indicate the reason for a balance change, useful
 // for tracing and reporting.
 type BalanceChangeReason byte