One of the United States's most iconic outdoor music venues, Red Rocks Amphitheater, in Morrison, Colorado is undergoing another set of rule changes to its regulations for noise levels that emanate from the concerts that take place there. Denver officials outlined new rules that will apply to various levels of sounds of sounds, notably bass levels and late night performance times that have been at the heart of Morrison resident's complaints.
One of the key changes was that if an artist violates the new rules, they would be banned from performing for the following season. This is notably important for artists who have a defacto residency at the stunning, sandstone amphitheater and perform every year.
Another is that noise regulations passed in 2015 and 2014 will apply to a full performance, not just to late hours, as has been in the case in the past.
The major catalyst for these changes has been the rise of bass music and EDM. Denver Arts and Venues executive director Kent Rice said to The Denver Post, "The ceiling has been lowered" in regard to new limits on bass noise.
The complaints started in 2013 when dance music was really started to dominate the live Colorado music scene. Red Rocks has become gracious host to artists like Pretty Lights, Big Gigantic and festivals Global Dance Festival. New rules were put implemented in 2014 to end shows earlier and limit noise levels, but residents still complained.
The situation looks gloomy for bass heavy genres as the rules could potentially squeeze out artists who perform at the venue. Some residents have petitioned to ban EDM acts all together. While it is true that EDM shows are outrageously loud, rock shows are not immune from pushing 120 dbs.
We will see how this plays out and if any artists do eventually get banned. See what it looks like to have a concert at Red Rocks with the Pretty Lights video below.
