The NME is reporting that a show AC/DC played in Munich last week resulted in more than 100 complaints from nearby residents because of the excessive racket made by Angus Young and crew. Apparently, some of the complainants were as far as 12 miles away from the venue when they were moved to say “Nein more!” (Okay, German’s not really my strong suit.) But that got us thinking about the loudest shows we’ve ever attended. In my case, very little thinking is required. I once saw legendary British metallers Motorhead at the Hammersmith Odeon in London (where the band previously recorded their classic live album No Sleep ’til Hammersmith) and couldn’t hear properly for weeks afterward. (And their support act, Tank, are the second most eardrum-lacerating act I’ve ever seen.)
So what’s the loudest band you’ve ever seen? Has anyone out there caught such legendarily volume-button-straining acts as My Bloody Valentine or the Who? Think about it while checking out Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades” below — and then GIVE US A SHOUT!!!
More from EW’s Music Mix:
Joe Perry talks Aerosmith tour, ‘Guitar Hero’, and… mac ‘n’ cheese!
Linkin Park returns for new Transformers tune
Anvil! The Story of Anvil: The funniest music documentary of all-time
John Mayer’s pot song
Swans
Muse. Guitar/laser sounds were ringing through my head for weeks.
I got second row for Guns n’ Roses/Metallica which I thought was awesome. During the show, I noticed that everyone around me had earplugs in which I thought was strange–little did I know. After the show, my ears rang, INCESSANTLY, for MORE THAN A WEEK!! It drove me crazy! Now I know why everyone was wearing earplugs!
Don`t laugh. Billy Joel in the late 70`s nearly made my ears bleed.
Guns n’ Roses/Metallica for me as well. My ears rang for 2 days.
Foo Fighters–I was front row in the general admission section (the best section btw) so i was standing directly in front of the stage and surrounded by speakers—it took at least a week for me to get my hearing back…plus it was at the borgota in a pretty small venue
Foo Fighters–I was front row in the general admission section (the best section btw) so i was standing directly in front of the stage and surrounded by speakers—it took at least a week for me to get my hearing back…plus it was at the borgota in a pretty small venue
Y & T in Redding, CA – I couldn’t hear for days
Foo Fighters for me
1st
Metallica and GNR 1992 @ Arrowread.
With Ice T as the Opening Act…
I was on the Front Row
2nd would probably be….
ICP Insane Clown Posse
I have another “don’t laugh” response. Jesus Jones and Stereo MC’s. I never went to another show without ear protection after that.
the hives
Alcoholica…uh I mean Metallica
Deep Purple
The Who
The loudest band I have ever seen live is DINOSAUR JR. They will blast yr face off and melt yr brain and leave you pummeled. you can feel everything in your bowels.
I nearly went deaf after a Stereophonics show a few years ago. They’re used to playing huge venues in Europe, but then came to my town and played a tiny nightclub that didn’t even have a backstage area. They didn’t adjust the volume accordingly…