The 10 Loudest Rock Concerts Of All Time
Carly Tennes
Published
02/13/2025
in
wow
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.
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1. Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Courtesy of the The United States Army BandThough 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. Blue Cheer
Courtesy of Jack de NijsMuch 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. Deep Purple
Image in Public DomainDuring 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. The Who
Image in Public DomainIt’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
Courtesy of FirestormmdManowar’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. Motörhead
Courtesy of Andrew KingIn 1986, the “Ace of Spaces” group damaged the Variety Theater in Cleveland after reportedly hitting 120 dB. -
7. Iron Maiden
Courtesy of Harry (Howard) PottsThe English metal band allegedly hit 124 dB during their performance at the "Monsters of Rock" Festival in 1998. -
8. Leftfield
Courtesy of Tore SætreThe Electronica band literally brought down the house, leaving plaster falling from the ceiling of Brixton Academy after reaching 135 dB. -
9. Manowar
Courtesy of CatskinglovesIn 2008, Manowar broke their own record again, reaching 139 dB in their sound check before Magic Circle Fest. -
10. KISS
Image in Public DomainKiss holds the superlative for the loudest concert of all, garnering complaints from neighbors after hitting 136 dB at a 2009 show in Canada.
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Replay - The 10 Loudest Rock Concerts Of All Time
Pyotr Tchaikovsky
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.
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.
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