AC/DC's Murrayfield fireworks 'broke permitted noise levels'

Rock legends AC/DC played their first Scottish concert in a decade on 21 August

Fireworks during AC/DC's summer gig at Edinburgh's Murrayfield stadium broke permitted noise levels, according to environmental health officers.

City of Edinburgh Council received eight official complaints from local residents following the band's European tour finale in August.

Three Oasis concerts earlier in the month also attracted complaints.

A spokesperson for the council said they will now recommend that fireworks are not used during future events at the stadium.

According to a report submitted to the city council's regulatory committee, which met on Monday, there were eight official complaints about the one-night AC/DC event and another eight from the three nights Oasis performed at the stadium.

The AC/DC noise complaints began during soundchecks the day before their show on 21 August.

One person in Inverleith also complained that their lights dimmed because of excessive power being drawn at the stadium.

Both concerts included fireworks, which are perceived as more disturbing for the wider community than loud music.

Officers carried out noise measurements at the venue and other city locations and said the "permitted noise level was exceeded" during the AC/DC concert.

They "recommend that fireworks are not used at future events".

About 68,000 fans packed into Murrayfield for the first of three dates by the Oasis

The Murrayfield gig was AC/DC's first Scottish gig in a decade.

The Australian band performed in 10 countries before concluding their European tour in Scotland, the birthplace of its founding members Bon Scott and Angus and Malcolm Young.

The Power Up tour finished with a huge fireworks display that could be heard around the capital city.

Oasis held three sold out concerts at the 70,000 capacity stadium on 8, 9, 12 August as part of their reunion tour.

Oasis was already unhappy with the city council, after official comments about fans were revealed.

Liam Gallagher described City of Edinburgh council as "a bunch of snakes", after a report from the local authority suggested the band's fans would be "rowdy" and "intoxicated".

Liam and Noel Gallagher walked on stage to a rapturous reception

Regulatory services manager Andrew Mitchell told the council committee the Murrayfield premises' alcohol licence included fireworks permission and was exempt from the need to obtain a separate public entertainment licence.

Councillors agreed that the issue should be passed to the licencing board to reconsider the permission for fireworks at Murrayfield.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We understand that fireworks used during concerts at Murrayfield can be disruptive to the local community so officers will recommend that they are not used as part of future events.

"However we consider licenses for all events based on their own merits and by taking into account any advice from officers."

City of Edinburgh Council has already announced that that fireworks can be banned in nine areas around 5 November in response to constant anti-social behaviour in previous years during bonfire season.

The ban was supported by community groups and animal welfare charities.

Edinburgh Zoo's baby red panda Roxie died last year as a result of fireworks, experts said

There have been reports of pets and zoo animals being affected by the noise of explosions.

Two red pandas at Edinburgh Zoo died in early November 2024, which veterinary experts said was a direct result of noise from fireworks.

Three-month-old Roxie choked on her own vomit on Bonfire Night, five days after her mother Ginger died unexpectedly - again at a time when pyrotechnics were being set off in the city.

Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said they would support moves from the council to reduce noise and prevent fireworks from being set off at Murrayfield events.

"Fireworks at any time of year can be alarming for animals in zoos, as well as pets, horses, livestock and wildlife," he said.

"Hopefully we will see more events using drones and other technology for light displays which will ensure people can still enjoy a great experience without impacting animal welfare."