Sounds of compliance at Forest Hills arena?

Though some nearby residents say Forest Hills Stadium eased into its 2025 concert season with its first show last Saturday, it reportedly was far from a silent night for others.

The highly anticipated concert series kicked off May 31 with a set by indie rock band Bloc Party. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection said it conducted two indoor inspections during the show pursuant to the city’s noise code, and neither resulted in a violation.

However, Matthew Mandell, who chairs the Forest Hills Gardens Corp.’s law committee, said residents claimed they called 311 repeatedly that night with complaints of “unbearable” noise, but could not reach anyone via phone. Those who sent text messages or used the 311 app had their complaints closed immediately, he added.

It was “pretty noisy” outside when he took a walk at the beginning of the show, but he said it was not the loudest concert he has heard, with a relatively manageable crowd and music quieter than the thumping bass of an electronic dance set. He told the Chronicle that he could only hear the end of the concert from his home.

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