We all enjoy music, and maybe some of us want to dance whilst others want to rock out, head bang, air guitar or mosh. When in a mosh pit, it can be a harrowing experience for any seasoned pitter, but also especially for novices. Like the music scene, we all enjoy the mosh pit for the group mentality, so the intensity of the pit depends on what the group inputs. This will decide if people will enjoy themselves. If we do not collectively put in the effort to be considerate, we can get seriously hurt and put people off moshing or even attending the show! Even with a group of good ‘pitters’, things can happen and injuries can occur, so here are some etiquette tips to help us all enjoy and keep you safe should something go wrong:
Emergency preparation
When entering a gig makes sure you take a mental note of exits, first aid and where security guards are, in case things go wrong.
If things go wrong in the mosh pit
If you’re in a pit and can sense something is going wrong, listen to your gut and get out of there and if necessary, seek medical help ASAP. To get through big crowds of people head diagonally to the nearest edge of the room as this will help prevent you getting stuck by trying to go backwards or forwards due to the surges in the crowd.
Falling down
One of the worst places to be in a mosh pit or crowd is on the floor. You will get trampled and seriously injured. If you feel yourself falling, try to grab something or someone to stop this from happening, or try to get their attention to help you. If you do fall down, scream so you can be heard and put an arm in the air to try and grab someone’s attention. If there are too many people running around then curl up into the fetal position tucking your head into your chest and knees bringing your arms over your head and bringing your knees up to your chest.
In the pit without moshing
In a mosh pit, there will be physical contact as this is the style of dancing. If the idea of this isn’t your thing but still want to be involved, stand on the edge of the pit and help keep pitters from flying out of the circle. If people are standing at the side they are making a conscious choice to be there so don’t pull them back into the pit; let them get in on their own time.
When someone trips and falls
If someone falls down, help them up as fallen moshers will get trampled and cause others to trip and fall. It benefits everyone to rush to the aid of people who have fallen and can’t get up for everyone involved, so make sure you do this without endangering yourself.
Ladies in the pit
Just because there is physical contact in the pit doesn’t mean that gives you the right to cop-a-feel of a lady, no matter where it is on the body. This includes pretending to accidentally fall onto them. It’s not right and is considered sexual assault. If you are harassed, try to get a good look at the perpetrator try and get the help of those around you. Most will disapprove and act accordingly, if not, report them to security and police. Don’t let them get away with it. Let them know it’s not acceptable. There is almost no time to decide how hard you are about to hit a person in a mosh pit, regardless of your gender.
Violence in the pit
Be aware of what you are getting yourself into in the mosh pit. You should be bouncing off each other without hurting another, but accidents happen. If you do get hurt, look for assistance and remember some people aren’t there to intentionally hurt you. If someone has done it intentionally, don’t start a fight, this can escalate into a riot and someone could get seriously hurt. Once again report them to security or police if need be. Most people in a pit will offer an apology, a handshake and maybe even a drink to show respect.
Getting out of the mosh pit
If you see someone trying to get out and can’t quite make it, do try and help them the best you can. Getting stuck in the pit and being knocked about isn’t good and can be very distressing. It’s for everyone’s benefit you get them out. If someone is hurt but no one will move, first make sure it’s okay with the person first and ask those near you to help lift the person up and body surf them to the front towards security. People in the “side-lines” may try to avoid getting hit. So if you want to get out, calm yourself down and do it slowly, show them by body language that you want to get out or you’ll get kicked back into the mosh pit again.
Wearing the correct clothing
Tie long hair back as it can be grabbed or caught onto something which may pull you down. Wear tight fitting clothes such as t-shirt and jeans, and avoid tops that can be easily ripped off, opened, and caught on things. For the ladies, if you’re not covering up well, you might fall out of your clothing. Make sure your shoes are on and laced tight, tucking long shoelaces into your shoes as you can easily lose shoes and not get them back. Attending a show with bare feet can get you injured quickly.
Take off any spiky clothes or accessories, and remove piercings that can be easily ripped out. If you wear glasses, it might be wise to take them off and give them to a friend (but only if you can see of course) Contact lenses are highly recommended. Don’t take, bags, cigarettes, or drinks in the pit this will only cause injury to yourself or others.
Brace for impact
If you are in the crowd surrounding the pit, make sure you are in a stance where you can easily repel someone bouncing off you so you don’t fall over. Try a wide leg stance to help keep you steady. Be ready to have people flying at you — make sure your arms are not by your sides, and have them in front so you can protect yourself or push people back into the pit should you need to.
Watching and waiting
If you want to get involved, take your time to observe the pit. Is it too rough for you? Is everyone in there punching and kicking? Are people having fun and being careful? Are they all six-foot tall bodybuilders pushing people over? Be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into and know your limitations. While watching, you can gauge the size, speed, and flow of the pit so you can get in and follow it. Trying to change the speed on your own can lead you to being hurt. Try your best to follow the speed, and skip out if you feel uncomfortable. If there is a pause or change of song, this is when things can get the most hairy, as people will go wild at the drop, speed, key or song change. Take the opportunity to get out if you’re unsure.
Hold lost items above your head
Come across an item in the pit? Whatever it might be, it’s best practice to hold it above your head until it is claimed. Be honest and do the right thing. Hold it above your head for as long as you can while keeping safe. It’s in the best interests of everyone’s safety to keep stuff off the floor. Be part of making mosh pits respectful and safe.