Too Loud to Handle: AC/DC Smash Permitted Noise Level at Edinburgh Concert

AC/DC’s recent return to Edinburgh has done more than just shake the walls of Murrayfield Stadium — it’s prompted calls for the city to revisit its concert regulations. The legendary Australian rockers performed in the Scottish capital on August 21 as part of their Power Up tour, marking their first appearance there in a decade.

While fans were unsurprised by the sheer volume of the show, local authorities have raised concerns after the band reportedly exceeded the city’s permitted noise levels — leading to official complaints and potential policy changes.

Noise Complaints, Power Surges, and Firework Bans

According to a BBC report, Edinburgh City Council received eight formal complaints about the concert. Council staff conducted sound monitoring during the show — both at the stadium and various locations around the city — and confirmed that AC/DC went over the legal noise limit.

In response, council officials are recommending tighter regulations on future stadium shows. One suggestion? No more fireworks at gigs. Additionally, one resident claimed that the lights in their home flickered during the concert due to the high electricity usage from the band’s stage production — a fitting mishap for a tour named Power Up.

The council’s report also referenced the trio of Oasis gigs held at Murrayfield in August, citing similarly high noise levels.

Oasis, Liam Gallagher, and a Council Briefing Gone Wrong

The Oasis shows weren’t without controversy of their own. Ahead of the concerts, a leaked briefing document from the council described Oasis fans as “mainly middle-aged men” who would “take up more room” in local pubs. The comment didn’t go unnoticed by Liam Gallagher, who fired back on social media.

“To the Edinburgh Council I’ve heard what you said about Oasis fans and quite frankly your attitude fucking stinks,” Gallagher posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling out the tone-deaf remarks.

As Edinburgh considers its next steps on concert regulations, the city’s love-hate relationship with loud live music continues to make noise of its own.