.
Mosh Pit etiquette fits the definition of oxymoron perfectly: two words that
mean entirely opposite things. In the midst of the head banging, hoarse
screaming and shoving it’s hard to imagine any kind of order or code exists. Honestly
though, some things you do in the mosh pit will lose you teeth. That is someone
will knock them out for you. So what are the dos and don’ts of the mosh pit? First
and foremost, know what you are getting into. People get hurt in the pit and if
you aren’t prepared for that then stay at home and watch TV. Frankly if someone
started crying in the middle of a pit I’d kick him in the nuts for the hek of
it. There will be some blood, saliva
and sweat involved. It might not necessarily be yours. You should be prepared
to get dirty. It is all part of the fun. And speaking of dirt, wear an outfit
you don’t mind ruining. Your clothes should be light and comfortable. You might
consider losing your spikes temporarily too.
Whatever you do, don’t be a dick. Leave the people in the side-lines alone. They aren’t in it because they don’t want to be. If someone falls help them up. A serious injury is a sure way of ending any concert. Copping a feel in the pit is a as low as you can stoop. Many a mosh pit have broken down to fist throwing, bone breaking frenzies because of jerks who take the fun too far. Do not be that guy. Avoid doing anything that takes away from the music. It is why everyone is there to begin with. Kenyan metal fans are tight nit group. You should treat them like family. Mind your surroundings. Keep a look out for other people. If someone wants to hard-core dance alone let them. But by all means shove everyone else on the floor.
Mosh-taliation can be a bitch. Do not start shit in the pit.
One wrong move and you’ll be recovering from a broken nose. If however you get
on someone’s bad side by accident, there are a number of way to handle it. My personal
preference is flashing the horns and mouthing an apology. Of course the
classical ‘it wasn’t me’ me approach could work. You need to be pretty convincing
though. But most importantly, do not show any weakness. If it comes down to it,
defend yourself.
Now Kenyan rock band has had it said that fighting is an integral part of moshing. We agree that some aggression cannot be avoided. But having been around the Kenyan Rock Scene a few times, we can safely say fighting is a no no. An unintentional elbow to the jaw won’t kill you. Laugh it off and move on. We haven’t got punched in the face yet . Kenyan Rock band supposes we are doing something right. Mind your mosh pit manners!
