Photo: WENN.com
This weekend saw the end of the BT London Live series - with Blur closing a string of shows (and potentially their career) with a Hyde Park, Olympics-linked show.
But for many, the show won't be remembered as the swansong for one of the biggest British bands of the past twenty years, but the gig where the sound of audience members crunching empty plastic glasses underfoot was louder than the band onstage.
The show was marred by cries of 'turn it up' from Blur fans, with many people shocked by the sound quality at the show - and some Gigwise readers revealing on Twitter that they left the show after just 30 minutes due to the low volume. Some compared it to listening to next door's TV through the wall while others said it was like trying to hear a silent movie under a duvet.
Of course, Blur's show wasn't the only show to receive such complaints - it's a problem that has marred the entire run of Hyde Park summer shows, from Wireless festival to Madonna. Bruce Springsteen and his fans suffered a further indignity when the sound was abruptly cut as The Boss broke his 10:30pm curfew - leaving him and duet partner Sir Paul McCartney stood in silence on stage, unable even to bid farewell to fans.
Hyde Park is a spectacular place to see bands, but seeing the performer is only half the experience. If you can't hear the songs, what's the point? Sure, Hyde Park is a central London location and nearby residents do need consideration - although anyone living within earshot of the park can certainly afford some decent double glazing.
So what's the solution? Having fans depart half an hour into a show they spent over £60 on tickets is unacceptable - and having most of those who stayed able to speak without raising their voices is equally poor. A compromise must be made. It's one thing to stage such huge shows, but another to let down the majority of fans who fork out their cash to attend.
If sound levels are the problem, then perhaps night time shows are not the answer - it's not ideal but perhaps earlier, louder shows are an option? Turn up the volume, bring forward the start time.
Perhaps another London park should be considered. Lovebox and Field Day have thrived in Victoria Park without disappointing thousands of fans with poor sound - we're sure no one would mind the trek to East London if a better show was on offer.
The summer shows have been a spectacular event for London, but while the Olympics performances have united music fans in national spirit and sporting pride, people have been likewise brought together for a huge, collective grumble. Sadly, that grumble has been more audible than most of the shows in question...
Have you been to any of this summer's Hyde Park shows? What did you think? How could they be improved? Let us know below...
Photos: Blur live in Hyde Park
