Though in the eyes of our mothers, rock concerts just may be the loudest events in human history, not all performances are created equal. Just ask KISS, Iron Maiden, and yes, even Pyotr Tchaikovsky, whose live shows made headlines and hurt ears with their high volumes.
From music festivals to international tours, here are the 10 loudest rock concerts of all time.
1
Though we may not know the exact decibel count of this overture, we know it called for both the use of cannon fire and a passage requiring a “fortissississimo” volume, which is one louder than the loudest volume in classical music.
2
Much like Tchaikovsky, the exact volume of Blue Cheer’s various performances is unknown, but they were once described as "loud enough to get [god of music] Apollo's attention.”
3
During their stint at London's Rainbow Theater, the “Smoke on the Water” icons' performance reached 117 dB, a volume so loud that three attendees reportedly passed out.
4
It’s not just Deep Purple. Four years later, The Who achieved an ever higher volume, hitting 126 dB during their London gig at The Valley.
5
Manowar’s volume has made headlines multiple times — once in 1984 and again in 1994, when they claimed their Hanover concert reached 129.5 dB.
6
In 1986, the “Ace of Spaces” group damaged the Variety Theater in Cleveland after reportedly hitting 120 dB.
7
The English metal band allegedly hit 124 dB during their performance at the "Monsters of Rock" Festival in 1998.
8
The Electronica band literally brought down the house, leaving plaster falling from the ceiling of Brixton Academy after reaching 135 dB.
9
In 2008, Manowar broke their own record again, reaching 139 dB in their sound check before Magic Circle Fest.
10
Kiss holds the superlative for the loudest concert of all, garnering complaints from neighbors after hitting 136 dB at a 2009 show in Canada.
![Much like Tchaikovsky, the exact volume of Blue Cheer’s various performances is unknown, but they were once described as "loud enough to get [god of music] Apollo's attention.”](https://cdn.ebaumsworld.com/2025/02/13/062422/87669828/Screenshot 2025-02-13 at 6.22.22 PM.jpg)
