There’s a new scene at heavy metal, screamo, and metal concerts. This phenomenon of jumping up and down, and violently kicking and punching while “dancing” is called moshing.  Yes; this is a one dangerous and painful fad.

            Moshing started roughly around 1975-1980 in Los Angeles, originating from the Punk Sub Culture. What started off as the punk pogo then turned to hardcore slam dancing. In later years, a more violent dance was formed, now known as mosh pits. Mosh pits are large groups of people at the head of the stage that commit various acts of violence such as kicking, punching, pushing, etc.

             This is a very dangerous (but common) scene, which can result in death. This happened in 1995 when seventeen-year-old Bernadette O'Brien was killed at a Smashing Pumpkins concert in Dublin, Ireland after being injured by a group of violent moshers. The Smashing Pumpkins then said that they were strongly against moshing. Depending on the music style and the bands playing, the intensity of moshing differs- it could result in a peaceful or extremely violent mosh.  

            There are also many rules to moshing- though they are not so much rules as they are precautions. These include: don’t wear pricings in your face or your ears. This could end up as a very dangerous accident that might leave you scarred. Also tie your hair back- no long hair or dreadlocks. This could lead to ripped out hair and many head injuries.  And remember the polite rule of “Treat others the way you want to be treated” because if you were the one that was on the floor getting pummeled you would want help getting up. If you see a hand sticking out from a group of people under you, help them back on their feet. Also, bring a group of friends. It’s safer and more fun to mosh in a group if you’re friends with the ones you are moshing with (and hopefully your friends won’t be the ones to punch you in the face purposely). Another rule is if you have contacts, wear them! You will probably lose them if things get a little out of hand.  And remember, be nice! Don’t use a mosh pit as an excuse to get revenge on the kid you don’t like.