Petipas, J. (1990). Moshing. S. Hamilton, MA: Center for Youth Studies.

OVERVIEW

Sometimes known as "slam dancing" or "trashing," moshing, a sort of rock-n-roll rugby, is a frenzy of high energy people dancing wildly, to the speed and sound of music, inside a circle called the "mosh pit." Out of the mosh pit emerge stage divers who climb on stage, dance around, sing with the band, and then dive back into the pit. The usual genre of music played for this game is known as speed metal, trash, or hard-core punk. To some ears, it sounds like a bunch of noise with unintelligible words; to others, it is music the way they like it—loud and fast. This youth phenomenon born in Los Angeles in 1976 has raised concern and questions among parents, church leaders, and society.

Some may say that moshing falls into a neutral category of culture that carries little of moral or spiritual significance. Let us look at some further background before making any conclusions.

A certain minority of teens, predominantly from urban areas, are involved in moshing. There is a bond of camaraderie that exists within some pits. Many of the teens, usually all male, come from dysfunctional homes where there is not always the acceptance and touch that are found among fellow moshers. Even though a mosh pit may look violent, there is an element of support. Those who may land on the floor are helped to their feet, and those who dive from the stage are caught in mid-air. Moshing can be seen as a wrestling match or a sort of "rough housing" that gives teens a high energy outlet that would otherwise be vented in more negative manifestations.

Moshing at Christian concerts? Yes, some bands such as One Bad Pig, Vengeance, and The Lead allow moshing at their shows. One Bad Pig has what is called "controlled moshing" at their concerts in order to promote control and safety. This is done by dividing the front stage area into three sections: one for the stage divers, one for moshers, and the third for "headbangers," who just like to listen, enjoy and shake their heads. Within the mosh pit are placed six spotters who do not dance but only help spot others and keep things under control. The stage divers are only allowed to dive at certain times during the show so that it does not distract from what the band is trying to do.

QUOTATIONS

The following are some quotes from band members, journalists, and even ministers who have had experience with moshing.

It’s ‘ring-around-the-rosy,’ heavy metal style. It’s basically skipping with your arms up! I’m not very excited about it...
—Bob Beeman, Pastor, Sanctuary Church

...moshing is like a man-powered merry-go-round, with an emphasis on the ‘merry.’
—Roger Martinez, of Vengeance

In reference to the secular club scene a Boston Globe journalist says:

At its best, hard-core punk music and the slam dancing it plays to express a primal, scathing outrage at (pick one): societies’ wrongs, dull pop music, or the numbing sameness of everyday life. This is music with an ax to grind. It is harsh, gnashing, brimming with fire. It can be inarticulate, stupid and contradictory. It can have a point, addressing itself to leftist themes, confrontational politics. It’s a focus and forum for aggression.

It’s like playing football without the ball. I think it’s just a new way to dance.
—Julio Rey, guitarist for The Lead

I don’t like it because it distracts the audience from what’s happening on stage and what’s being shared.
—Michael Bloodgood, of Bloodgood

What good is it to have a Christian band that plays speed metal if the audience is gonna be violent? But then again, how are we gonna reach the violent kids that are into speed metal if we don’t play it?
—Glen Rogers, of Deliverance

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

IMPLICATIONS

• Is moshing an effective way to divert violence?
• In what ways, if any, can a youth worker use moshing as a way to relate to kids?
• Can moshing be looked at neutrally as a product of culture that is not inherently bad?
• How far is too far? How much is too much? Is it possible to go too close to edge in trying to reach these and other challenging kids?

• For many so-called punkers, metalheads, and skinheads, moshing has become an important part of their culture. It is an activity that allows them to identify and fit in with others. This is where they are coming from and this is what they have learned. It is at this point that youth workers need to meet kids where they are, so that they can bring them to a constructive place. These teens have needs just like any others.
• Their culture (i.e., music) can be used as a powerful vehicle to reach them, in a context to which they can relate. Many regard the style of lyrics, dress, music, and dance of the artists, as well as their fans, as questionable, yet it is essential and effective to reach teens through creative means.

Jim Petipas cCYS