The art of 'moshing'

SexyGreyFox · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:34

Here in Stoke on Saturday a long awaited gig by an ACDC tribute band called Dirty DC was completely ruined and the Council pulled the plug after outbreaks of real fighting.
After the gig, Facebook was full of annoyed fans moaning about the exploits of a few down the front who were all young and decided to mosh to ACDC songs :confused:

It was obvious that some of the older fans hadn't got a clue what all this aggressive dancing was, took it as threatening and started to punch the younger ones out.
So I've just been discussing this with my 27 year old who can't see that any of the young ones were doing wrong but I said that moshing isn't a part of the classic rock scene but obviously when I go to watch bands playing Slayer type songs then I know not to go near the front.
I go to a lot of gigs and I've never seen moshing where it wasn't part of the scene.

So OCUK, do you agree with her that no matter what the band or artist is you should be allowed to act like complete idiots and bang into every body and it's up to individuals to get out of the way or do you think like me that certain types of music shouldn't expect this behaviour?

Derek W · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:39

Dimple said:
Facebook was full of annoyed fans moaning

This surprises me

What next, ban fans with tattoos, piercings cos they may look a bit intimidating as well

PardonTheWait · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:39

I got in a fight at a paramore gig once because a group of oiks were trying to start a circle pit during a piano ballad.

So yes I think like you!

Devrij · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:39

I agree. I've seen AC/DC live when they came out with Ballbreaker, and there was no moshing (I'm the same age as your daughter, so she can't blame a generation gap). Moshing to AC/DC is as retarded as moshing to Britney Spears. AC/DC is happy music about shagging birds anywhere you can. Not about releasing anger. Retards.

Jonny ///M · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:40

Wouldn't expect it to certain types of music but people seem to exploit it when it does happen. It's never just bumping into you it's always some **** thinking he's mental.

OhEsEcks · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:40

Moshing is strictly for the hardcore.

I wouldn't mosh at a pub circuit tribute act.

Randomface74 · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:42

not a fan of moshing in any situation tbh, seems odd for the sake of it

*puts the kettle on*

Janesy B · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:45

It happens at Drum & Bass raves for no bloody reason, I'd expect it at some things but not a gig for an ACDC tribute band...

G-MAN2004 · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:50

Dimple said:
So OCUK, do you agree with her that no matter what the band or artist is you should be allowed to act like complete idiots and bang into every body and it's up to individuals to get out of the way or do you think like me that certain types of music shouldn't expect this behaviour?

Definitely. I try to start them in any club, to whatever type of music. Everyone always joins in and it's a good laugh.

Janesy B · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:51

G-MAN2004 said:
Definitely. I try to start them in any club, to whatever type of music. Everyone always joins in and it's a good laugh.

You and your mates probably find it highly amusing but everyone around you doesn't.

Mr Badger · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:52

Using examples of gigs I've attended, I've done a good mosh in my time to the likes of Slayer, Pantera (RIP Dimebag) and various others of a similar genre, but not to AC/DC. Punching kids out for getting excited does sound daft, but I've never heard of a mosh pit at an AC/DC gig. I'm also put in mind of an Angus Young quote from way back when he was asked what he thought of "Thrash" and he responded "It sounds like a disease"

planty · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:53

I hate people moshing even when I'm at metal gigs, let alone at any other concerts. Can't relax and enjoy the gig if I'm standing near moshers.

OhEsEcks · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:56

Janesy B said:
It happens at Drum & Bass raves for no bloody reason

I blame this on the cross over between the DNB scene and the rock scene with Pendulums appearances at various festivals. I remember my friends taking the **** out of me listening to DNB in the 90s while they were all into britpop, punk and metal. Go to a festival and see Pendulum, suddenly they're all DNB heads. So what once was a case of #420blazeit hood up eyes down swagger to the rhythm is replaced by ****ed up metal heads going mental in a pit.

And you could say "it's not Pendulums fault", but was it a problem when Prodigy started playing festivals? Nope. Or Orbital? Nope. Or Underworld? Nope. Because we went to festivals and saw all those acts and none of my friends cared. Until ****ing Pendulum. Particularly the track Slam. Slam. As in slam dancing. Or what is better known as moshing.

ubern00b · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:56

Janesy B said:
It happens at Drum & Bass raves for no bloody reason, I'd expect it at some things but not a gig for an ACDC tribute band...

Was just about to say, the number of times a set has been ruined at Fabric because the kids want to create mosh circles etc is just disappointing really. I have seen far too many bloody people coming out of the front of a Chase & Status gig too.

kieranv · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:56

Last big gig I was at was Steel Panther, and was in the pit the full night, and I had an awesome night.

I've also had awesome nights at gigs staying away from the front and enjoying the music.

OhEsEcks · 24 Feb 2014 at 20:58

ubern00b said:
Chase & Status gig too.

Them too. Another festival DNB staple.

bitslice · 24 Feb 2014 at 21:01

Dimple said:
It was obvious that some of the older fans hadn't got a clue what all this aggressive dancing was, took it as threatening and started to punch the younger ones out.

How old is old? Moshing has been around since the first death/speed metal bands, OK AC/DC is just rock but surely everyone can recognise moshing?

I reckon the front of stage is for people to bounce around, the ones who want to hold lighters in the air like at a sad marillion gig should stand at the back and not **** people off by breathing.

The real pains are the ones who let their girlfriends stand in the pit and then roid rage when the silly bint get trampled on. Just stay at home FFS.

Anyway, no, moshing wasn't appropriate, but hitting someone because they trod on your painted toenails is far worse.

Devrij · 24 Feb 2014 at 21:06

kieranv said:
Last big gig I was at was Steel Panther, and was in the pit the full night, and I had an awesome night.

I've also had awesome nights at gigs staying away from the front and enjoying the music.

Best pits I've ever been in:
1: Chimera (slow moving but bouncy)
2. Skindred in a tiny nightclub (good vibe, you get picked up when you go down)

Most terrifying pit I've ever been in:
1. Metallica at the Colloseum in LA 10 years ago. It literally appeared out of nowhere when the first chord was struck and is to this day the biggest and fastest moving pit I have ever run away from like a little girl.

MB101 · 24 Feb 2014 at 21:15

bitslice said:
How old is old? Moshing has been around since the first death/speed metal bands, OK AC/DC is just rock but surely everyone can recognise moshing?

I reckon the front of stage is for people to bounce around, the ones who want to hold lighters in the air like at a sad marillion gig should stand at the back and not **** people off by breathing.

The real pains are the ones who let their girlfriends stand in the pit and then roid rage when the silly bint get trampled on. Just stay at home FFS.

Anyway, no, moshing wasn't appropriate, but hitting someone because they trod on your painted toenails is far worse.

This +100

Pansies to the back.

Efour · 24 Feb 2014 at 21:17

I stopped fighting on the dance floor when i grew up at age 17. True story.