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Earplugs Recommended: Readers Share Loudest Gig Memories
15 May
Summary
- Readers and critics shared intense experiences of extremely loud concerts.
- Some recalled physical sensations like clothes shaking from bass.
- Concerns about hearing damage and the importance of ear protection were noted.
Live music enthusiasts and Guardian writers have shared their most memorable experiences with exceptionally loud concerts. These accounts vividly describe performances where the sheer volume was a physical force, causing clothes to vibrate and the venue to feel intensely altered.
Readers recalled various gigs, including Deep Purple in the early 70s and Happy Mondays in 1987, noting the immediate and lasting effects on their hearing. Some specific mentions include Leftfield's 1996 show, where plaster fell from the ceiling, and Swans in 1987, which led to hearing aid use.
Guardian critics also contributed, detailing experiences with bands like My Bloody Valentine and Sunn O))). While some found the extreme volume overwhelming or concerning for hearing health, others described it as a transcendent or purposeful experience, emphasizing the impact of sound with intent.
