During the My Bloody Valentine concert the band had a text projected that made clear they were disgruntled with the AB because they were forced to comply with a noise level standard.

The noise level standards in question are Flemish legislation that aims to protect concertgoers from excessive noise. There are sufficient scientific studies demonstrating that even a brief exposure to excessive noise can cause irreversible hearing impairment.

Due to its location in Brussels, the AB isn't strictly bound by the Flemish norms. But, for many years now, in taking care of our concertgoers the AB has voluntarily taken on a number of measures that are designed to prevent hearing damage. So there is a strict noise level standard that all bands who visit us are obliged to respect. What's more, we make earplugs available free of charge, for all our visitors.

Until now, that had never led to a problem with the bands. It is perfectly possible to play a concert at a noise level loud enough for band and audience, within that noise level standard. All bands are informed about this noise level standard prior to performing and declare themselves prepared to adhere to it. That was also the case with My Bloody Valentine: the band knew beforehand what the noise level standard was in AB and had given their written agreement to conform to it.

So it is a shame that My Bloody Valentine felt they had to respond to this matter during the concert.

AB wants to be a concert hall where all bands feel at home and where, at the same time, we take care of the comfort and safety of our visitors.