Mosh pits: what gives?

TobyMoore · Aug 18, 2011

I am a 26-year old metalhead who has been listening to metal ever since 1999 when I got struck by the Black Sabbath/Metallica bug. Since then I have developed an appreciation for all things hard and heavy, from death to black, from power to thrash, from doom to drone, from folk to infinity and beyond (sorry, my fiancée's son watches Toy Story a lot). I have attended dozens of concerts, mostly metal, and I can't say I will ever grow out of this ridiculous obsession.

But I do have a question for fellow concert-goers: What is the appeal of a mosh pit? I mean, really. Why would you want to subject yourself to such violence while your favorite band is performing onstage?

I'm not questioning the entertainment value of a consensual beatdown. Looks like it might even be sort of fun. But not when I'm trying to enjoy some good live music. I usually avoid pits so as not to catch an errant flailing limb in the kisser.

And please keep in mind, this is an honest inquiry that's not meant to belittle anyone. I'm interested in knowing your thoughts on jumpin' in the pit!

Amber the Duskbringer · Aug 18, 2011

Something about the rhythm, it's not out of hate for people, but more a emotional release. I don't think anyone goes to them to pick a fight, I know if you leave with a good shiner you were at a awesome concert.

Lady Derelict Content · Aug 19, 2011

If you're wanting to shed a few pounds by sweat alone, the mosh pit is just the place. Though not for me, thanks.

MasterpieceMesias · Aug 19, 2011

dude mosh pits are awesome if you're in the mood for it!! Besides, you wouldn't see anyone dancing while Ben Falgoust of Goatwhore is screaming his lungs out, that person'd get thrown out faster than Wile E. Coyote gets destroyed.

TobyMoore · Aug 21, 2011

MasterpieceMesias said:
dude mosh pits are awesome if you're in the mood for it!! Besides, you wouldn't see anyone dancing while Ben Falgoust of Goatwhore is screaming his lungs out, that person'd get thrown out faster than Wile E. Coyote gets destroyed.

Haha! I definitely wouldn't be dancing to Goatwhore either (nor Soilent Green, Ben's other band whom are AB. SO. LUTE. LY. Killer). To be honest, I think dancing is even dumber than moshing, but again - I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade here.

Amber the Duskbringer · Aug 21, 2011

So I'd be the only one dansen at a mosh pit? :O

MasterpieceMesias · Aug 21, 2011

TobyMoore said:
Haha! I definitely wouldn't be dancing to Goatwhore either (nor Soilent Green, Ben's other band whom are AB. SO. LUTE. LY. Killer). To be honest, I think dancing is even dumber than moshing, but again - I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade here.

speaking of Goatwhore, you look like Sammy Duet.

mgs_pepe · Aug 22, 2011

I've mosh-pitted a few times...ended up with a real bad contact high in one and an interigation room in another. By strange coincidence...my date never called me back after that last one.

TobyMoore · Aug 22, 2011

MasterpieceMesias said:
speaking of Goatwhore, you look like Sammy Duet.

Heh, that's definitely a first. I've heard a lot worse: Tim Robbins, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lars Ulrich... even Shawn from Boy Meets World. I'll take it as a compliment!

seashale76 · Aug 24, 2011

Amber the Duskbringer said:
So I'd be the only one dansen at a mosh pit? :O

Back when I was a teen I'd have been right there with ya. When you're with your friends and the music is good- the appeal is there. Been there done that a few times. I was always a rather mellow girl though- and I'm an even more mellow woman- so that ship has sailed for me. I have too many aches and pains to be doing all that now.

white dove · Sep 2, 2011

TobyMoore said:
I am a 26-year old metalhead who has been listening to metal ever since 1999 when I got struck by the Black Sabbath/Metallica bug. Since then I have developed an appreciation for all things hard and heavy, from death to black, from power to thrash, from doom to drone, from folk to infinity and beyond (sorry, my fiancée's son watches Toy Story a lot). I have attended dozens of concerts, mostly metal, and I can't say I will ever grow out of this ridiculous obsession.

But I do have a question for fellow concert-goers: What is the appeal of a mosh pit? I mean, really. Why would you want to subject yourself to such violence while your favorite band is performing onstage?

I'm not questioning the entertainment value of a consensual beatdown. Looks like it might even be sort of fun. But not when I'm trying to enjoy some good live music. I usually avoid pits so as not to catch an errant flailing limb in the kisser.

And please keep in mind, this is an honest inquiry that's not meant to belittle anyone. I'm interested in knowing your thoughts on jumpin' in the pit!

It's an energy release. If I'm listening to faster/heavier music, it feels natural to want to just go crazy (just a bit ). It takes a lot out of you though - it's quite literally a workout. When I went out regularly, I'd either go out dancing or go to a concert. In my "earlier" days, I did both. There was nothing quite like it. Now, what I don't get is the whole "running of the bulls" thing. That seems pointless to me. I did it.. once. But now, as I look back I think that was kinda dumb.

SimplyRen · Sep 2, 2011

I love watching people mosh. I think it's hilarious. Especially the low key ones with only like 20-30 people crowded around a small stage. You know, the ones where everyone's too afraid to actually get aggressive, or they're new to the whole mosh-pit thing so they just sort of bump lightly into eachother. But there is one thing I do like about moshing. It's got a sort of etiquette to it. If you get knocked down, most will reach down and help you up. When someone gets seriously hurt, people tend to mellow out, at least long enough for the injured person to make a clean get-away.

But, to get to the point...I think most people mosh just because it's an excuse to ram into each other. I used to go to concerts where they would actually have a rhythm (and dance) to their moshes. I haven't seen a moshpit like that in a long time though. :\

white dove · Sep 4, 2011

SimplyRen said:
I love watching people mosh. I think it's hilarious. Especially the low key ones with only like 20-30 people crowded around a small stage. You know, the ones where everyone's too afraid to actually get aggressive, or they're new to the whole mosh-pit thing so they just sort of bump lightly into eachother. But there is one thing I do like about moshing. It's got a sort of etiquette to it. If you get knocked down, most will reach down and help you up. When someone gets seriously hurt, people tend to mellow out, at least long enough for the injured person to make a clean get-away.

That's true. There is that etiquette - which, one would think is counter-intuitive. SO glad it's not!

I used to like seeing the people who wanted to get closer to the band getting pushed and shoved, all the while having this fed up look on their face. It's like, "Dude, you're close to the mosh pit."

1-4 All OurGodAll 4-1Sad · Sep 23, 2011

Hey.I used to listen to black sab,metallica,led zep,pink floyd etc etc but stopped when i changed my life around as i know that the Lord hates evil being glorified and Him self being rubbished.
Sure was/is a change going to praise/worship but its just soo(and i never say soo)much better because God loves it and its awesome to make Him extra happy with so much bad sad evil.
Praise God Rebuke satan

IesuGristAmddiffynwr · Sep 27, 2011

There's something I personally find incredibly fun about mosh pits - I'm not sure what it is, I just find them great fun.

Murmur · Sep 27, 2011

I used to love mosh pits... bruises and ripped fishnets at the end of the night.
It's even better if you're a girl, because all you need to do is smile at the biggest, scariest guy in there and he has your back all night.

Jake137 · Apr 11, 2012

It all depends on what show I'm at, but for example when I saw Marduk and Aura Noir live I couldn't help it! It pumps you up and that is just a fun way to enjoy a show!

Mosh pits: what gives?

Oldbie

Amber the Duskbringer

Guest

Goodbye

King of Stoic Cynicism

Oldbie

Amber the Duskbringer

Guest

King of Stoic Cynicism

Author, Screenwriter, and Musician

Oldbie

Unapologetic Iconodule

(she's a) maniac

Curious

(she's a) maniac

Romans 12:12

I'm just a kid.

Thought Criminal

Newbie

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency