Deep Purple, circa 1976, was the first time I recall that the volume deafened me for a week.
Nowadays, I always wear ear plugs to concerts. Still, I’ve had to leave a few shows that were still too loud. Dangerous to my hearing and, frankly, not fun, no matter who’s playing.
Some of the shows I’ve had to leave recently…Steve Morse Band; Hot Tuna; Dixie Dregs; Robbin Ford; Greensky Bluegrass. I hid in the bathroom during the last half of a John Hyatt show a few years back…I would have left but he’s a favorite of my wife and she stayed for every note.
Many bands I won’t even go see because I know I won’t enjoy it or maybe not even see the whole show. And there are certain venues I avoid altogether because the sound is always deafening (The Boulder Theater, for one).
I do have tinnitus, which varies in intensity and intrusiveness. I try to protect my hearing now, wish I’d started that younger.