Readers Line Up on Both Sides of ‘Bridges’ : Too Much Noise? Pass the Earplugs

Re “The Noise Plague” (Aug. 22): Recently I was part of a group of four who attended the Dion and Everly Brothers concert at the Greek. We were looking forward to an evening of nostalgia and golden oldies. When Dion appeared, the blast of sound from the speakers was overwhelming; two in our party had to plug their ears with their fingers to prevent pain. We tried tearing off pieces of napkins and stuffing them into our ears. The sound level was devastatingly loud, far beyond reasonable amplification.

I went to an usher (who had ear plugs) and asked where I could request the volume be turned down. I was told that the band determines the volume, not the theater, and I was told I could purchase earplugs at the concession counter.

As I looked around, I saw that a number of people were wearing these bright orange earplugs. Why would a band play the music so loud that they hurt the audience’s ears and then sell them earplugs?

SHARON NOBLE

North Hollywood