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The Guide #243: Ear-splitting gigs that were worth the after-ring
In this week’s newsletter: Sometimes they were enough to send our music critics and readers straight back out the door again – but mostly just noisy enough to make their clothes shake
TL;DR
- Readers and Guardian music critics shared their experiences of the loudest concerts they've attended.
- Bands like My Bloody Valentine, Sunn O))), The Bug, Tim Hecker, Deep Purple, Happy Mondays, Jeff the Brotherhood, Leftfield, Piss, Swans, Led Zeppelin, and Nickleback were mentioned for their extreme volume.
- The article notes the physical effects of loud music, such as clothes vibrating and plaster falling from ceilings.
- It includes a disclaimer about the potential for permanent hearing damage, referencing bands like Mission of Burma who disbanded due to tinnitus.
- Modern gig-goers have access to earplugs, though some still opt for the 'unplugged' thrill.
- Experiences range from wanting to leave (Sunn O))) ) to enduring the noise and experiencing its after-effects (ringing ears, hearing aids).