The Pit

Chaos

Moshing, slam dancing or violent dancing are closely linked to the emerging punk scene of the late 1970s. Back then bands like Dead Kennedys or Black Flag started challenging the music industry establishment with simple song structures, distorted guitars and extremely fast pace. The provocative lyrics of their songs were aimed at social constraints and conservative politics. Their audience, mostly teenagers, responded by developing a matching form of dancing. Much like the music, their dancing style was equally rebellious, attacking any form of structure and order. In the mosh pit universal social behavior is not merely suspended but smashed mercilessly.

A new order

However, a mosh pit is much more than just an indefinable mess. In fact it is a room full of binding rules and limitations. Out of the chaos a new social order coalesces, which includes ethical standards and codes of conduct. Although it will always remain a room full of expression of individuality, community is an essential, if not the most important aspect. The place of seemingly extreme freedom is regulated by an unambiguous code. It states: „you must pick up a falling mosher at all times“ „do not persist on your territory“ and especially „respect the other“. This creates a social order or even a new sense of justice where violations are punished by attentive co-moshers.

Ritual

It has been a long time since the mosh pit was just a place for one specific group. Even if it is just for a short period of time, people from different backgrounds, age and sex cross paths in the pit. They take part in this ritual again and again. Joining in to free themselves from the frustration and stress of the daily grind. Once the music stops, they all return to their ordinary lives. What remains is the memory of a brief but intense feeling of freedom and belonging. Both at the same time.