John of Elsie's band, hi. Yeah, that gig was a bit of a nightmare. I think the problem is not loud or soft, but appropriateness (propriety?) and clarity. Went to a gig in Edinburgh last week in one of the underground arches, and the band that I've seen a million times with people dancing up front were trapped in one half of the arch on their own while the audience stood about ten feet away in the other half, because the amps turned to their usual volume were just too painful to be near. Couldn't hear, could only feel pain. On the other hand, Steve Earle at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, that was the loudest gig I have ever been to, and I have to say that the physical sensation was something in itself. I couldn't hear a word, but was definitely rocked!! It's like with all music, it's totally subjective and a different experience depending on what mood you're in when it's encountered.
x e