Live music events at the Pyramids of Giza could be banned following lawsuit
A rights group claims that loud music emitted from recent Anyma and Cirocoloco shows could have a "destabilising" effect on the 4,000-year-old structures
An Egyptian rights group has called for an end to live music and other events at the Pyramids of Giza amid fears that loud noises and other production elements could endanger the 4,000-year-old monuments' "structural integrity".
The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) filed a lawsuit earlier this month (October 8), seeking a suspension of events and other "unlicensed activities" currently taking place at the Pyramids of Giza.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed around 4,200 - 4,6000 years ago, has been the setting of an influx of live music events since January 2023, when Egypt's Tourism Ministry approved plans to "rent" the area for private functions.
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Recent events include a party from Ibiza's Circoloco in November 2024 which ran until 3:AM, and a headline audiovisual show from Anyma earlier this month. Tiësto is also expected to play at the Pyramids on December 19.
In its lawsuit, the ECESR claims that "loud nighttime concerts that employ sound equipment producing high-frequency vibrations" are capable of "destabilising" the ancient stone structures, while "laser lighting systems do not comply with international standards for illumination at heritage sites."
The suit was filed by ECESR on behalf of a range of Egyptologists, researchers and archeologists, alongside cultural heritage experts and tour organisations — the Governor of Giza, Ahmed Rashad, has also been named among plaintiffs.
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The suit references Egyptian Constitution, Law No. 117 of 1983 on the Protection of Antiquities and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which requires Egyptian authorities to adopt "all necessary legislative and administrative measures" to protect heritage sites.
The lawsuit calls on authorities to prohibit "any excavation or construction work, whether temporary or permanent, within the archaeological zone for the purpose of hosting such events."
You can read the full lawsuit details here.
Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter
