The Loudest Concerts in History

Rock music has always been synonymous with loudness, and for many fans, the thunderous roar of amplifiers and pounding drums is an essential part of the experience. Over the years, being the loudest band in the world has become a point of pride, with musicians vying for the title. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 loudest concerts of all time, as recognized by world record achievements. While some of these events may not have official records, their reputation for ear-splitting volume is legendary.

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Blue Cheer – The Proto-Metal Pioneers (1968)

One of the earliest contenders for the title of the world’s loudest band was the San Francisco proto-metal trio, Blue Cheer. While there is no specific event or concert that measured their volume, they gained recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records for their sheer sonic force. Blue Cheer’s use of Marshall stacks, a staple of rock amplification, solidified their status as the loudest gig experience of their era.

Deep Purple – A Decibel-Shattering Show (Rainbow Theatre, London, 1972)

As the loudness wars heated up, the competition for the title of the world’s loudest band became fiercer. Deep Purple earned this distinction in the 1975 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. Their 1972 performance at London’s Rainbow Theatre reached a staggering 117 decibels. The sheer volume of the show was so overwhelming that it reportedly caused three audience members to lose consciousness.

The Who – Breaking Records (The Valley, London, 1976)

Just a year after Deep Purple’s record-setting performance, the legendary hard rock band The Who took the title to new heights. On May 31, 1976, at Charlton Athletic Football Club, commonly known as “The Valley,” their sound reached an ear-splitting 126 decibels, and this measurement was taken from a staggering 100-foot distance from the speakers. It’s no wonder that Pete Townshend, the band’s guitarist, has experienced hearing loss.

Motörhead – Ceilings and Decibels (Cleveland Variety Theater, Ohio, 1984)

Motörhead’s 1984 show at the Cleveland Variety Theater in Ohio is another infamous entry in the history of loud concerts. While it was not officially recognized, reports suggest that their set reached a thunderous 130 decibels. The concert had to be abruptly halted when plaster from the ceiling started raining down on the audience. Two years later, the venue was closed due to safety concerns, likely exacerbated by Motörhead’s sonic assault.

Iron Maiden – The Monumental PA System (Monsters Of Rock, Castle Donington, 1988)

In the 2000 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records, Iron Maiden was featured not as the loudest band but for having the largest PA (Public Address) system in recorded history. This distinction came from their headline performance at the 1988 Monsters Of Rock festival, where they unleashed their metal anthems to a crowd of 100,000 fans. The massive PA system, consisting of 360 Turbosound Cabinets, took five days to construct and reached a blistering 124 decibels.

Manowar – A Battle for Loudness (Hannover, Germany, 1994)

Manowar had a tumultuous relationship with the Guinness Book of World Records when it came to loudness. In 1984, they were declared the loudest band ever by Guinness. However, they surpassed their own record ten years later, achieving a deafening 129.5 decibels during a concert in Hannover in 1994. This remarkable feat led to Guinness removing the record, likely out of concerns that it might encourage other bands to push volume levels to even more dangerous extremes.

Gallows – A Moment of Sonic Madness (The Laney Factory, Birmingham, 2007)

Before Frank Carter led The Rattlesnakes, he fronted the supremely noisy punk band Gallows. In 2007, during a studio session in the Midlands, the band achieved a mind-boggling volume of 132.5 decibels. While this wasn’t a public performance, researchers at the Brighton Institute Of Modern Music verified that Gallows played as loud as a jet engine for approximately a minute.

Manowar (Again) – Reclaiming the Throne of Loudness (Magic Circle Festival, Westfalen, 2008)

Gallows may have briefly stolen Manowar’s record, but no band has been as dedicated to making a ruckus as Manowar. They reclaimed the title of the loudest band of all time during a soundcheck for their appearance at the Magic Circle Festival in 2008. Their PA system, featuring an impressive 64 subwoofers among other elements, pushed the volume to an astonishing 139 decibels.

Sleazy Joe – The Unsung Heroes of Loudness (Hasselholm, 2008)

Swedish punk band Sleazy Joe may not be a household name, but they are known for one thing: their unwavering commitment to being the loudest band on the planet. In 2008, they claimed to have reached a peak volume of 143.2 decibels, a truly astonishing level of loudness. Unfortunately, there is no official record of this achievement, so we must take their word for it.

Kiss – Breaking Sound Limits (Bluesfest, Ottawa, 2009)

The 2009 edition of Bluesfest in Ottawa, Canada, had imposed a strict 90-decibel sound limit. However, glam metal legends Kiss defied these limits with their headlining performance, which reportedly peaked at 136 decibels. This thunderous show was brief, as complaints from local residents forced the sound engineer to turn everything down. Nevertheless, for that brief period, Kiss joined the ranks of the loudest bands in history.

These concerts showcase the relentless pursuit of sonic power by some of rock music’s most iconic bands. While the specific measurements and records may vary, one thing is clear: these bands were determined to leave their mark on the world by pushing the boundaries of volume and intensity. Whether they achieved official recognition or not, their performances continue to resonate with fans who revel in the sheer power of loud music.

Author Profile

Renée Bourke: Interviewer

Renée has carried out many celebrity interviews for us from boybands to hanging backstage at showbiz parties. The Aussie stars acting credits include Home and Away + Across The Pond.

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