Exploring the 40-year history and changes of the mosh pit throughout various genres of a live music environment.
Masses of sweaty bodies move in unison to the speakers’ evident sound waves. Whether the demographic consists of rap-loving young teens or middle-aged metalheads, mosh pits are a common way of bringing together a crowd. With their origin dating back to the late 1970s; this familiar style of dancing and crowding together has a rich history.
Early punk rockers are often credited for this method of movement. Many of these concertgoers felt mashing around with other people was a perfect way to exhibit the energy felt through the heavy bass, vocals, and fast-paced beats of punk music. Whether it was D.C. Scene bands such as Bad Brains, U.K. punk like the Sex Pistols, or L.A. punk like Black Flag, these reckless teens let all their emotions out on concrete floors of these small venues.
When mosh pits first emerged, there was little to no regard for the safety of other concertgoers. This recklessness continued through until the early 2000s. Many people left the shows bloody or with serious injuries, along with an experience of other unsolicited behavior. Usually, aggressors had little to no repercussions due to the difficulty of identifying specific individuals in a sea of people. This evident presence of violence then created a significant split within the rock scene regarding whether or not mosh pits needed restrictions. This concern was mainly left up in the air until Woodstock ‘99 where the mosh pits caused too much destruction to be ignored.
“Are you ready?” Jonathan Davis screams as Brian Welch and James Shaffer begin the riff to Korn’s “Blind.” With over 400,000 bodies ready to let loose and go crazy, coordinators of Woodstock ’99 were not prepared for what was to come. Seas of people jumping up and down in waves, bodies surfing over others’ heads, and people being squished together . This unregulated chaos left many people injured or in need of medical attention. Overall, this festival changed many people’s view of how dangerous a mosh pit can be and the evident need for regulation to protect the crowd’s safety.
Mosh pits have continued to be a popular form of concert dancing but now have more restrictions and safety precautions. Bigger venues often discourage or restrict mosh pits from being formed. When mosh pits are allowed, a security team watches closely and to bounce concertgoers who are being unnecessarily reckless or starting fights. Although mosh pits are harder to contain at festivals and large gatherings, security does its best to manage the chaos, and frequent concertgoers are more likely to be aware of the appropriate concert etiquette in specific conditions. Of course, if reckless and unrestricted mosh pits are more your style, house shows or concerts at small venues will be your best bet.
Not only have mosh pits evolved regarding safety standards, but they have also been stretched out across more genres, including rap, all types of rock, and occasionally even at indie shows. So, you don’t have to be a hardcore punk rocker to experience the fun of a mosh pit.
Overall, mosh pits have evolved and thrived through many different eras of the music scene and are still a common sight at concerts. Although mosh pits can be dangerous and reckless at times, they are a great way to bring people together through music’s emotional and physical impact on a crowd. So whether you are jumping in or observing from a distance, mosh pits are an experience that will continue to be present after 40 years.
I am currently attending the University of North Texas with a photojournalism major. I love going to concerts of all genres, whether I am stage diving or headbanging, I never miss an opportunity to appreciate live music. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting for CD's and records, spending time with my cats, going to art exhibits, and traveling (especially to NYC). My biggest inspiration is Danny Clinch, and one day I aspire to open up my own gallery to showcase my work!
