Key Highlights
- AC/DC’s concert at the MCG in Melbourne registered on seismological recorders due to low-frequency vibrations.
- The activity was between 2 and 5 hertz, strong enough for people to feel the ground shake.
- The rock band’s first Australian performance in over a decade sparked interest from both fans and scientists alike.
- Residents as far away as Balwyn could hear the concert despite its distance from the MCG.
AC/DC Rocks Melbourne, Shakes Seismology Monitors
The heavy metal legends AC/DC have caused quite a stir in Melbourne not just with their music but also by registering on seismological recorders during their concert at the MCG. The event, which marked their first Australian performance in over a decade, has piqued the interest of scientists and concert-goers alike.
According to the Seismology Research Centre, AC/DC’s powerful vibrations and crowd movement generated activity between 2 and 5 hertz on seismographs located about three-and-a-half kilometres away. This frequency range is strong enough for people to feel the ground shake, making it a fascinating case study in low-frequency sound waves.
Chief scientist at the Seismology Research Centre, Adam Pascale, explained that both the speakers and crowd activity contributed significantly to the recorded vibrations. “The sound waves from the venue’s speakers and the movement of the crowd are what we’re picking up,” he stated.
Pascale further noted that synchronized movements by the audience could amplify the signal, making it easier for seismographs to detect.
The concert was part of AC/DC’s worldwide Power Up tour, which started in Europe in 2024 and has sold more than two million tickets across 24 shows. In Australia, the band’s first performance drew a packed crowd at the MCG, with excited fans eager to witness their iconic music live.
Residents from various parts of Melbourne also reported hearing the concert, including those as far away as Balwyn, eight kilometres from the venue. One resident living just across the road from the Seismology Research Centre office in Richmond stated that it was “like they were at the concert” due to the loud volume.
“We’ve received two noise complaints related to this event,” noted a spokesperson for the Environment Protection Authority, highlighting the dual impact of such large-scale musical events on both seismic readings and local communities.
Despite these reports, Pascale humorously compared AC/DC’s performance to Taylor Swift’s concerts, which reportedly generated even larger signals during their recent performances at the MCG.
The unique phenomenon observed during this concert underscores the potential for music to have a tangible impact beyond its immediate audience. As AC/DC prepares to play again at the MCG on Sunday, researchers and fans alike will be eager to witness how this groundbreaking event will shape future studies in seismology and public entertainment.
