Mosh Pit Etiquette
The pit looks like chaos, but it runs on a few simple rules that keep everyone in it, and everyone around it, in one piece.
In this piece
What are the rules of a mosh pit, and how do you enjoy one without getting hurt or hurting someone else? The pit is one of the best parts of a metal show, and it works because most people in it follow the same unwritten code. Here is that code in plain words.
Types of pits and how they work
A standard pit is a loose, open space in the crowd where people push, bump and jump into each other in time with the music. A circle pit is people running in a big loop, usually counter-clockwise, often started when the band calls for it. A wall of death happens when the crowd splits into two sides, waits for the signal, and then runs into the middle at the same moment. Crowd surfing means being lifted and passed over the heads of the audience towards the stage, where security usually helps surfers down at the barrier. Some venues and festivals ban crowd surfing, so check the house rules before you try it.
The unwritten rules and what to wear
If someone falls, stop and pick them up straight away. This is the most important rule, and in a good pit several people will reach down at once. Keep your arms low and loose: no swinging elbows, punches, kicks or knees aimed at people. Pushing is part of it; hitting is not. Never drag anyone into the pit who does not want to be there, and respect the people standing at the edge. They often act as a soft wall that keeps the pit in shape, and pushing back into them is fine, but attacking them is not. If someone loses a shoe, glasses or a phone, hold the space for a second so they can grab it, or pass it back when you find it. Watch out for people who are much smaller than you, and give crowd surfers a hand rather than letting them drop.
Wear closed shoes with a firm sole, such as boots or sturdy trainers. Sandals and bare feet are a bad idea. Leave spiked jewellery, studded wristbands, chains and anything sharp outside the pit, because they can cut someone else. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket with a zip, or leave them with a friend. Tie long hair back if it gets in your face, and remove glasses if you can see without them. Earplugs are a good idea: the pit is usually close to the speakers. Drink water before and between songs, because pits are hot and tiring.
Leaving the pit and helping someone who is hurt
To leave, move sideways towards the edge rather than trying to cut straight through the middle, and raise a hand so people see you are stepping out. The edge will usually let you through. If someone is hurt, stay with them, protect the space around them with your arms, and wave to security or staff near the barrier. Many people raise both arms or point clearly at the person to get attention quickly. Let trained staff or the first-aid team take over, and do not try to move someone with a possible neck or back injury. Before the show starts, it is worth noticing where security stands and where the first-aid point is, so you know where to go.
Before your next gig, read the venue's or festival's safety rules, pick sturdy shoes, leave the spikes at home and agree with friends on a meeting point outside the pit. Then go in knowing that the first rule is simple: if someone goes down, you pick them up.
