Why major music events at Egypt’s Pyramids could soon be banned
Egyptian rights group files lawsuit to protect the ancient site from damage caused by large-scale events.
A new legal challenge against concerts at the Pyramids
Egypt’s iconic Pyramids of Giza has recently hosted huge music concerts, but that could soon fall silent. The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) has filed a lawsuit against local authorities, aiming to suspend all large-scale music events at the site.
The lawsuit targets the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and the Governor of Giza. The ECESR argues that the authorities have “failed to fulfill their legal duty to protect the site despite being fully aware of the ongoing nighttime festivities”. Essentially, the organization says the events pose a serious threat to the 4,500-year-old monuments.
Why the ECESR is taking action
Despite being filed days before, the news comes shortly after DJ Anyma’s recent performance there which brought in over 15,000 people. Other acts to have performed there include Carl Cox and Keinemusik, while Travis Scott tried to perform there in 2023 before his show was canceled.
According to the ECESR’s complaint, the issue lies in the scale and setup of these productions. The group claims that massive sound systems generate “vibrations capable of destabilizing the ancient stone structures”, while laser lighting systems used during concerts fail to meet international standards for heritage sites. Even the construction and dismantling of stages and equipment could “pose a serious risk of the structural integrity of the Pyramids”.
The ECESR believes that if this continues, it not only endangers Egypt’s cultural heritage but could also harm the country’s standing with UNESCO’s heritage protection standards.
What the lawsuit demands
The organization is calling for an immediate halt to large-scale concerts at the Pyramids of Giza. That includes EXIT Festival’s plans to host a first multi-day, multi-stage music event at the site.
Beyond stopping future events, the ECESR also wants authorities to adopt stronger protective measures, carry out restoration work where needed, and review all private contracts related to events at the pyramids to ensure transparency and public accountability.
Why this matters for the music industry
Understandably, Egypt’s pyramids are a desirable destination for global superstars looking to create iconic performances. ECESR’s case could put a stop to that.
The case highlights a growing tension between live sumusic events and sustainability. This time, the focus is on preserving culture, heritage, and identity. If successful, the case could set a new precedent for how ancient heritage sites are used for music events.
In short: the ECESR’s lawsuit is about more than just concerts, it’s about protecting Egypt’s heritage for generations to come.