Scottish officials introduced new rules limiting ‘weekly average noise exposure’ of staff in venues to 85 decibels this week meaning clubs and events could be forced to have quiet periods to balance out loud sessions.

The EU imposed regulations were ridiculed by heavy metal legend Lemmy who told the Times ‘the essence of rock ‘n’ roll is loud music; How the hell can we be expected to enjoy ourselves if we’ve got to turn it down?’ to the approval of Soma star Graeme from Silicon Soul.

“There’s no doubt that sound and volume hit a critical mass where it becomes physical and something that can be felt as well as heard and at that point it affects people in a far more powerful and profound way,” he told Skrufff. “It’s really important for clubs and gigs, even the cinema – anywhere an immersive effect is due from sound and music. I think Lemmy is spot on,” said Graeme.

Glasgow based Irish DJ Fergie agreed, telling Skrufff; “I realise that not all music needs to be played loud to be enjoyed but loud music is a main factor in the dance music scene, it is at the centre of building the atmosphere: people wait for the build up and they want the DJ to let it rip. Music is such a release for people, after a hard week’s work they head out to let their hair down, they want to get lost in the noise and the rhythm of the music; they don’t want to have to turn it down,” said Fergie.

Silicon Soulster Graeme described developing tinnitus (‘a strange popping sensation in my left ear at high volumes and mild hearing loss’), though blasted the new rules as bureaucratic overkill. “Hot on the heels of the smoking ban it’s another vibe killer for the party; 85db is far too quiet for a space like the Arches, for example,” he said. “Protecting your hearing makes sense but it should be the responsibility of the individual coming into the party and in the case of staff at venues, proper hearing protection should be available from their employer,” he suggested.

Fergie similarly called for freedom of choice for clubbers to hear loud music, admitting that he personally prefers to ignore the implications of hearing damage. “When I come home from some clubs my ears do ring though not all the time but I am someone who likes the monitors up full pelt as I just love the music to be in my face; I like to feel it,” he explained. “There’s no better feeling than DJing and having the music seep right through you,’ he added.