I’m a 27-year old man who’s almost always at a show in the Tampa/St Pete area, and while there’s very few bands I’d come out of mosh retirement for (Eighteen Visions is probably the only one), it’s mainly because I have a family and a 2 year old that would prefer if I didn’t get my jaw kicked in or something like that. It’s the kind of thing that could hurt your income if you miss work, and let’s be real here, being reckless is easy when you have few responsibilities, but foolish when there’s other people depending on you to make a living.
I’m lucky enough to have a cadre of talented bands and musicians in my area, spanning just about every genre from post-metal (Set and Setting), to experimental indie pop (Polyenso), to influential metalcore (Underoath). I’ve been to literally hundreds of shows, and minus a few bruises or minor head injuries, the catharsis of a great metal or hardcore show was ALWAYS worth it. I’m sure it’s the same way for even those who might have broken a bone or two, because those who are fans of heavy metal, hardcore, or other genres deemed “extreme” know that moshing is pure catharsis, and outlet that you really can’t find anywhere else. But what happens when that catharsis is taken too far?
I preface this by saying that I have no problem with however one chooses to express themselves at a show. The term “invisible ninjas”, while always hilarious in relation to hardcore, is actually a really good form of exercise. Moshing and crowdsurfing? Of course – especially with the latter, though, be safe and have fun. For moshing and crowdkilling, though, this can present a problem – especially when crowdkilling devolves into “go into full on Digital Devil Saga RPG Berzerk Mode” and intentionally hurting people. There’s a stark contrast between this and moshing, where we all know the unwritten rules of the pit – if you knock someone down, pick them back up. If someone is legitimately hurt or trying to get out of the pit, spinkicking them in the face isn’t the way to do it – it’s rather an easy way to get called out for being a bad person.
You wonder why hardly anyone goes to your metal and hardcore shows? More responsibilities and age is definitely a part of it, but who wants to contend with those half dozen or so goons who are just pissed off the New York Rangers lost their playoff series, and want to take it out on whoever happens to be in their way? Not most people, that’s for sure.
If this describes you, there’s literally no reason to intentionally hurt people, especially defenseless ones, to purposely cause injury. If you do that, you are straight up a fucking asshole. That’s not up for debate, it’s a fact. Don’t be that guy (or girl).
However, this doesn’t apply to most people, thankfully. 99% of metal/hardcore/punk fans are there to straight up have a good time. I personally have been knocked down, given a few black eyes, and felt like a 60 year old man at the end of some shows I’ve been to. But you know what? The same people that inflicted those injuries helped me back up immediately. That’s what hardcore is really about – respect for all people and respect for your fellow man. If that’s not something you believe in, do you really belong? Something to consider. Sucker-punching a defenseless person certainly isn’t the way to do it, though. Food for thought.
I’ll always give credit where credit is due, and Brandon Florida’s The Noise Box is certainly a venue that is respectful to all, but dissuades ignorant people who would attempt to intentionally hurt other concertgoers. Seriously, if you’re in a band, get on a show or two there.
