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Music fans in Edinburgh may have enjoyed a summer of legendary concerts, but not everyone in the city was thrilled by the volume. Iconic rock acts AC/DC and Oasis have both been hit with formal noise complaints following their performances at Murrayfield Stadium this August.
The first to attract attention was Oasis, who played three nights at the 70,000-capacity venue as part of their Live ‘25 tour on August 8, 9, and 12. While fans celebrated the band’s return to Edinburgh, some local residents were less enthusiastic, raising concerns over the levels of sound emanating from the stadium.
Shortly afterward, AC/DC brought their high-voltage show to Scotland on August 21, marking the band’s first gig in the country in a decade. The legendary rockers’ performance generated eight formal complaints citing excessive noise. Much of the criticism reportedly centred on fireworks used at the conclusion of the show.
Environmental health officers from Edinburgh Council carried out extensive noise measurements both at the stadium and at surrounding locations. According to the findings, the permitted noise levels were exceeded during AC/DC’s concert. The fireworks were highlighted as a major contributing factor, with their sharp bursts adding to the overall decibel output of the event.
A council spokesperson confirmed the findings, stating: “We have reviewed the noise levels during these events and can confirm that the permitted thresholds were exceeded during the AC/DC concert. We will now recommend that fireworks are not used at future events held at Murrayfield Stadium.”
The news has sparked discussions among both music fans and local residents. Many concertgoers expressed surprise at the complaints, highlighting that major stadium shows naturally involve high volumes, while others emphasised the need for venues to balance entertainment with community impact.
Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, home to both sporting and musical events, regularly hosts large-scale concerts during the summer months. While the venue is well equipped to handle tens of thousands of fans, these incidents demonstrate the challenges of managing noise levels in urban areas.
Credit: instagram.com/acdc/
AC/DC and Oasis have not released official statements regarding the complaints, though representatives for both acts have historically acknowledged local concerns and committed to working with venues to ensure compliance with regulations.
With Edinburgh Council now issuing guidance on limiting fireworks at future events, organisers and performers may need to rethink how they conclude shows to avoid further complaints. For residents living near the stadium, it is hoped that this measure will strike a better balance between enjoying live music and maintaining peace in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
While the controversy may overshadow a little of the summer magic, fans will no doubt still remember both sets as highlights of the 2025 festival season, full of legendary riffs, powerful vocals, and electrifying performances.